The UK government has taken a bold step to label the Russian mercenary group Wagner as a terrorist organization, following its involvement in various conflicts and atrocities in Ukraine and Africa.
Wagner, which was previously led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is accused of being a “violent and destructive” military tool of Russia’s political agenda. The group has been linked to human rights violations, war crimes, and coup attempts in countries such as Mali, Central African Republic (CAR), Sudan, Libya, and Syria.
The UK Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, announced that a draft order will be laid in parliament that will allow the UK to seize any assets belonging to Wagner and prohibit any dealings with the group. She said that Wagner is a “threat to global security” and that the UK will not tolerate its “destabilizing activities” that serve the Kremlin’s interests.
“They are terrorists, plain and simple — and this prescription order makes that clear in UK law,” Braverman said.
The move comes after Prigozhin, who was also known as “Putin’s chef” for his catering business that served the Kremlin, was reportedly killed in a plane crash in Russia last month. He was allegedly behind a failed coup attempt against Putin and the Russian military, as well as orchestrating Wagner’s operations in various countries.
The UK’s decision to ban Wagner as a terrorist is part of its wider sanctions regime against individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption around the world. In July, the UK imposed sanctions on several people and businesses associated with Wagner in Mali, CAR, and Sudan, including travel bans and asset freezes.
The UK’s action is expected to increase the pressure on Russia to stop its interference and aggression in other countries’ affairs, as well as to hold Wagner accountable for its crimes. The UK also hopes to encourage other countries to follow suit and take a stand against Wagner’s terrorism.
0 Comments