The European Union has added Russia's Wagner mercenary group to its sanctions list for "actively participating in the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine." Wagner, which is leading Moscow's battle to try to capture the Ukrainian towns of Bakhmut and Soledar, had already been placed on another EU sanctions list in February for violating human rights and "destabilizing" countries in Africa.
The European Council, representing the 27 EU member states, said the new sanctions listing "completes" the previous one.
Wagner, it said, was added to the list "for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine." The EU also added RIA FAN to the list of those subject to restrictive measures. RIA FAN is part of the Patriot Media Group, a Russian media organization whose Board of Trustees is headed by Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the head of Wanger.
The EU has adopted 10 successive sanctions packages against Russia in the past year over its invasion of Ukraine. (QNA)
Source: Qatar News Agency