UK to declare Russia's Wagner group banned terrorist organisation

The UK announced Wednesday it will declare Russia's Wagner mercenary group a banned terrorist organisation, saying it remains a threat to global security even after the death of leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The government said an order will be introduced in Parliament to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act. The designation, once approved by lawmakers, will bar membership in or support for Wagner, which has played a major fighting role during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It also has operated in Syria and several African nations.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman said Wagner “has been involved in looting, torture and barbarous murders. Its operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa are a threat to global security.” “They are terrorists, plain and simple - and this proscription order makes that clear in U.K. law,” she said.

The ban will allow U.K. authorities to seize the organisation's assets, though that power is largely symbolic as Wagner is not known to operate in Britain.