France: The French parliament has passed a resolution urging the European Union (EU) to officially classify Russia’s private military contractor, the Wagner force, as a “terror group.” Concurrently, reports indicate that the United Kingdom is also on the verge of designating the Wagner force as a “terror organization.”
These moves reflect growing concerns about the group’s activities and signal an intensified international effort to address the perceived threat posed by this mercenary entity. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the implications of these decisions and their potential geopolitical ramifications.
On 9th May 2023, the French parliament unanimously approved a non-binding and largely symbolic resolution urging the European Union to designate Russia’s Wagner force as a “terror group.” The resolution garnered support from all political factions, highlighting a unified stance against the activities of the Wagner force. While the resolution’s impact is primarily symbolic, it underscores the widespread concern regarding the group’s actions and signifies France’s determination to address the issue at the international level.
According to statements made in the French parliament, it is emphasized that Wagner fighters are not solely driven by financial incentives but are part of a larger strategy. Their activities span from Mali to Ukraine, actively supporting the aggressive policies of President Mr. Vladimir Putin’s regime against democratic nations. The assertion sheds light on the broader motivations behind the Wagner force and underscores the need to address the group’s actions as part of a comprehensive response to safeguard democratic values.
Expressing optimism, Mr. Haddad, a key figure involved in the resolution, expressed his aspiration that the adopted resolution would serve as a catalyst for the European Union’s 27 member states to include Wagner on its official roster of “terrorist organizations.” The objective is to bring greater recognition and collective action against the activities of the Wagner Group, emphasizing the importance of a united response to counter the perceived threat posed by the group.
In a video message, Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his appreciation for the French parliament’s actions and commended their resolution. He urged other countries to follow France’s example and take similar steps regarding the designation of the Wagner Group. President Mr. Zelenskyy’s message emphasizes the significance of international solidarity in addressing the challenges posed by the Wagner Group’s activities and calls for unified action to counter their perceived threat.