EU introduces new sanctions against Wagner’s Group, including those involved in Soledar offensive
The EU Council decided to introduce additional sanctions against individuals and companies associated with the Wagner Group; among them are commanders of units involved in the war against Ukraine. Source: European Pravda citing EU Council's press office The communique states that the mercenaries of Wagner's Group are currently operating in Libya, the Central African Republic (CAR), Mali, and Sudan, in addition to Ukraine.
"The Wagner Group's activities are a threat for the people in the countries where they operate and the European Union. They endanger international peace and security as they do not operate within any legal framework," Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said.
The Council decided to list eight individuals and seven entities under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime responsible for or involved in serious human rights abuses; one individual is listed under the Mali sanctions regime. Two individuals were also listed in connection to actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
"The listed individuals include two commanders of Wagner Group forces actively involved in the capture of the town of Soledar in Ukraine in January 2023, the head of the Wagner Group in Mali, where Wagner mercenaries have been involved in acts of violence and multiple human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, as well as various high-profile members of the group in the CAR," the communique states. Among the legal entities, the companies Meroe Gold, M-Invest and its manager, Lobaye Invest Sarlu and Diamville, which are connected to the activities of the Wagner Group in Sudan and the CAR, have fallen under the restrictions. The Foundation for the Defence of National Values (FDNV), the public relations arm of the Wagner Group, is also listed, as is its head.
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Sanctions include the freezing of assets, a ban on entry and transit through EU countries, and a ban on EU citizens and companies providing them with funds. These sanctions are in addition to measures agreed upon in December 2021, which were directed against eight individuals and three entities, as well as the Wagner Group as a whole. In addition, at that time the Council of the EU created a separate sanctions regime for those involved in the threat to peace and stability in Mali.
The EU's global sanctions regime for human rights violations was established in December 2020.
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