Wagner to be declared a terrorist organisation by UK

The government of the United Kingdom is set to proscribe Wagner, the Russian mercenary group, as a terrorist group, reports BBC.

After the declaration, it will be illegal to be a member or support the organisation.

A draft order to be laid in the British parliament will allow its assets to be categorised as terrorist property and seized.

Britain’s 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 destabilising 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."

Wagner had played a key role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as operating in Syria and countries in Africa including Libya and Mali.

Its fighters have been accused of a number crimes including killing and torturing Ukrainian citizens.