US to designate Russia’s Wagner Group as ‘transnational criminal organization’

US will apply designation in the coming days, says national security council spokesman, imposing new sanctions on the group

The US will designate the Russian mercenary group Wagner as a “significant transnational criminal organization”, imposing further sanctions on the military contractor which has been aiding Moscow in its invasion of Ukraine.

White House national security council spokesman John Kirby announced on Friday that treasury will apply the new designation in the coming days, applying new sanctions on the group and its associates.