UK to declare Wagner Group terrorist organisation

Wagner, the Russian mercenary group, is set to be proscribed as a terrorist group by the UK government - meaning it will be illegal to be a member or support the organization, Report informs, citing BBC.

A draft order to be laid in Parliament will allow its assets to be categorized as terrorist property and seized.

The home secretary said Wagner was "violent and destructive... a military tool of Vladimir Putin's Russia".

She said its work in Ukraine and Africa was a "threat to global security".

Suella Braverman added: "Wagner's continuing destabilizing activities only continue to serve the Kremlin's political goals."

"They are terrorists, plain and simple - and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law."

The proscription order will make it a criminal offense to support the group - including by arranging meetings aimed at furthering the organization's activities, expressing support for its aims or displaying its flag or logo.

Committing a proscription offence could lead to 14 years in prison or a fine of up to £5,000.