Bloomberg: US could recognise PMC Wagner as terrorist organisation

The Biden Administration is considering recognising Russia’s private military company (PMC) Wagner as a foreign terrorist organisation, Bloomberg reports, citing two people familiar with the matter.

According to the outlet, no final decision has been made yet.

“Labeling Wagner a foreign terrorist organization would allow the US to pursue criminal prosecution against the group and its members, as well as go after its assets around the globe,” Bloomberg notes.

A spokesperson for the State Department, who spoke with Bloomberg on condition of anonymity, declined to comment on the Wagner discussions but said “the US would continue to hold those responsible for Russia’s war to account”.

The US, UK, and EU previously imposed sanctions on PMC Wagner and its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin. Bloomberg reports that even under such conditions “the group has only continued to gain strength and influence”.