European Parliament Holds Kremlin Responsible for Wagner PMC Actions and Backs Ukraine's Efforts to Detain Fighters
Sanctions are planned against the fighters, and countries are urged to cut ties with the group.
European Parliament deputies condemned the “monstrous crimes” committed by the Russian private military company Wagner and placed responsibility for financing, training and operational command of the mercenaries on the Russian authorities. The corresponding resolution has been published on the European Parliament website, reports Liga.net.
“The European Parliament points to strong evidence that the Russian state is responsible for financing, training, managing and operationally commanding these paramilitary groups,” the MEPs said.
In this regard, they call on Moscow to “ensure compliance with Article 359 of the Criminal Code of Russia, which prohibits recruiting, training, financing or providing mercenaries, as well as using them in armed conflicts.”
It is noted that the activities of the Wagner group correspond to the expansion of Russia's influence in conflict zones where mercenaries are involved.
“European Parliament deputies insist that the Wagner group and other private security contractors controlled by Russia should be regarded as trusted organizations of the Russian state,” the resolution says.
The document notes that the Wagner PMC is involved in many conflicts around the world, especially in Ukraine, Syria, Sudan, Mozambique, Libya, the Central African Republic and Venezuela.
The resolution notes that the Wagner PMC first became known in 2014 due to its involvement in the occupation of Crimea and the conflict in Donbas.
The European Parliament expressed support for the efforts of the Kyiv authorities to bring PMC fighters to justice.
European Parliament deputies welcomed the statement by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on the imminent adoption of targeted EU sanctions against “relevant individuals and legal entities linked to the Wagner group,” as well as individuals and legal entities working with them.
The deputies call for these sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes for Wagner PMC fighters.
In addition, the resolution calls on all countries that use the services of Russian mercenaries, especially the Central African Republic, to sever all ties with the PMC.
The MEPs urged the European Commission to ensure that EU funds cannot under any circumstances be used to finance private military companies “with such terrible human rights records.”
The resolution was adopted by 585 votes, with 40 deputies voting “against” and 43 abstaining.
The Wagner PMC is linked to businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is close to the Russian president and is known as “Putin's chef.” Russian authorities deny involvement in the mercenaries' activities.
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