The Council of the European Union today decided on restrictive measures against the Wagner Group, an unincorporated private military unit based in Russia.
According to a press release from the council, the newly imposed measures are directed against the Wagner group itself, eight individuals and three companies affiliated with the group.
The same has shown that the Wagner Group has recruited, trained and sent military agents to various zones around the world to plunder natural resources, incite violence and intimidate civilians in violation of human rights.
In addition, those listed by the EU have been implicated in serious human rights abuses, including summary and arbitrary executions. You have also been involved in destabilizing activities in Libya, Syria, Ukraine, and the Central African Republic.
Therefore, the Commission wants to reduce the subversive activities of the Wagner group by imposing restrictive measures against the group and other companies involved, SchengenVisaInfo.com reported.
“The aim of today’s decision is to curb the subversive activities of the Wagner group. It signals the EU’s strong determination to stand up for its interests and values in its neighborhood and beyond, and to take concrete action against those who threaten international peace and security and who violate international law, ”the Council said in a statement .
It was also explained that the restrictive measures imposed today are in line with four different sanctions regimes, such as the EU global human rights sanctions regime, sanctions regimes related to the situation in Libya and Syria, and measures to undermine the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
According to the newly introduced rules, the listed natural and legal persons are now subject to an asset freeze in the EU. Apart from the freeze of assets, all group members and their affiliated companies are also subject to a travel ban when entering the EU member states.
The rules in force also prohibit all EU citizens and other bodies from providing funds and funding to those who are now subject to restrictive measures.
In addition to the imposition of such restrictions, the Council also discussed Russia’s military build-up on the border with Ukraine.
“The European Union stands united and firm for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The ministers made it very clear today that any aggression against Ukraine will have political consequences and high economic costs for Russia, ”said the High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell.
The ministers also discussed the situation in Belarus, discussed the Varosha issue and discussed the EU’s relations with Africa.
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