The Wagner Group of mercenaries is to be proscribed as a terrorist organization.
The decision puts Wagner on a par with Isil and al-Qaeda.
Wagner has played a key role in Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
It is also linked to worldwide operations to destabilise countries in Africa.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said:
“Wagner is a violent and destructive organisation which has acted as a military tool of Vladimir Putin’s Russia overseas.
“While Putin’s regime decides what to do with the monster it created, Wagner’s continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlin’s political goals.
“They are terrorists, plain and simple – and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law.
“Wagner has been involved in looting, torture, and barbarous murders.
“Its operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa are a threat to global security.
“That is why we are proscribing this terrorist organisation and continuing to aid Ukraine wherever we can in its fight against Russia.”
Proscription makes it a criminal offence to belong to Wagner, attend its meetings, encourage support for it or carry its logo in public.
Offences under the ban can carry jail terms of up to 14 years.
Wagner’s assets and finances can be categorised as terrorist property and seized.
The group has been leaderless since its founder and head Yevgeny Prigozhin – along with key figures – was killed in a plane crash.