UK Lawmakers Set to Declare Wagner Group a Terrorist Organization

Russia’s Investigative Committee announced that genetic testing has confirmed the identities of the individuals on the ill-fated flight.

The United Kingdom is poised to designate the Wagner Group as a terrorist organization, making membership, support, or association with the group illegal.

According to reports, a draft order is expected to be presented to Parliament, enabling the seizure of Wagner's assets as terrorist property.

In July, British lawmakers called for a stronger stance against the Wagner Group following a mutiny that left the mercenary organization vulnerable.

The Foreign Affairs Committee has also recommended targeted sanctions and the classification of the group as a terrorist organization by Britain.

Suella Braverman, the UK Home Secretary, has labeled Wagner as 'violent and destructive,' emphasizing their role as a military tool for Putin's Russia.

Braverman asserts that the group's activities in Africa and Ukraine pose a threat to global security and serve Kremlin's political agenda.

Under the Terrorism Act 2000, the Home Secretary has the authority to proscribe organizations associated with terrorism.

Supporting Wagner Group would become a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, died in a plane crash in August, having built a private army that fought in various conflicts.

Prigozhin's rebellion earlier this year posed a significant threat to President Putin, who had supported him throughout his career.

In June, the Biden administration took action against Wagner, accusing the group of human rights abuses and coordinating with military entities in Mali and CAR.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need to hold the group accountable for its destructive actions.

This development marks a significant step in combatting the influence of Wagner Group on the international stage.