UK government wants to label Wagner as a terror group

The UK government wants to label Wagner Group as a terror group. If lawmakers agree, this will start on September 13.

Joining, helping, or supporting the group could lead to 14 years in jail.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman presented this idea. She said Wagner Group serves as Russia’s overseas military tool.

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat supported her. He said this step shows the UK won’t put up with their actions in Ukraine and elsewhere.

The proposal also slams the group’s human rights abuses in Africa. If approved, Wagner will join ranks with Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Hezbollah under UK law.

About Wagner Group

Founded by Lt. Colonel Dmitry Utkin in 2014, the group first gained attention for helping Russia in Crimea.

It then spread its operations to African countries like Libya and Sudan. They also aided the Assad regime in Syria.

Yevgeny Prigozhin led them until he died in a plane crash on August 23, 2023. Utkin chose the name Wagner, linking to his own nickname.

Russian law bans such groups, but loopholes let them function as private security units for state firms.

Wagner acts as a private military for Russia’s President Putin, allowing a global reach without using Russia’s official forces.

They’ve been a leading force in key battles in Ukraine.

A U.S. report from January 2023 states that they get support from Russian and Chinese companies.

Context

The UK’s move comes amid rising tensions between Western countries and Russia. Wagner Group’s activities have been a concern for many.

They’ve been active in conflict zones, often siding with authoritarian regimes. Critics say this undermines global peace efforts.

The UK’s Terrorism Act of 2000 is the legal basis for these listings. Wagner would be the 79th group added if lawmakers agree.

This is not the first time the UK has taken such a step. It has previously designated groups from various countries as terror entities.

This action aims to prevent funds and support from reaching them within the UK.