UK Declares Russian Mercenary Group Wagner a Terrorist Organisation
The UK government has launched a major crackdown by moving to officially label the Russian mercenary group Wagner as a terrorist organisation. This means it will be illegal to join, support, or fund the group, with the government able to seize its assets.
Home Secretary Brands Wagner ‘Terrorists, Plain and Simple’
Home Secretary Suella Braverman pulled no punches, calling Wagner “violent and destructive” and a “military tool of Vladimir Putin.” She warned that Wagner’s actions in Ukraine and Africa are a “threat to global security” and serve Kremlin interests.
“They are terrorists, plain and simple, and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law,” Braverman said.
Wagner’s Dark Record of Atrocities and Global Reach
Wagner has been active in conflict zones from Ukraine to Syria, Libya, Mali, and the Central African Republic. The mercenaries have been accused of heinous crimes including torture, executions, and the killing of civilians.
- In 2020, the US accused Wagner of planting landmines around Tripoli, Libya.
- In July 2023, the UK condemned them for “executions and torture” in Mali and CAR.
The group’s future grew uncertain after leader Yevgeny Prigozhin’s failed mutiny against Russian military chiefs. Prigozhin and several others died in a mysterious plane crash on August 23, and he was buried in St Petersburg.
Stronger Laws and Heavy Penalties for Wagner Supporters
The proscription order puts Wagner in the same league as terrorist groups like Hamas and Boko Haram under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporters face serious consequences, including up to 14 years in prison or fines reaching £5,000.
Offences include:
- Membership or support for Wagner
- Organising meetings to promote Wagner’s aims
- Displaying Wagner’s flag or logo
Pressure Mounts as MPs Demand Tough Action
MPs and campaigners had urged the government to take a tougher stand against Wagner. Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomed the move and called for a Special Tribunal to prosecute Putin for war crimes.
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, slammed the government’s previous response as inadequate, warning sanctions alone “are not enough” to tackle Wagner’s global influence.
With Wagner officially proscribed, the UK aims to disrupt its finances and strengthen legal efforts against this Kremlin-backed mercenary force.
