France aims to widen the European Union’s sanctions against the private military company Wagner as part of its tenth package of restrictive measures targeting Russia. The EU is set to adopt these measures on the anniversary of the start of a special military operation in Ukraine, according to reports from Bloomberg.
Bloomberg notes that Paris is seeking to blacklist a substantial number of individuals and entities tied to Wagner, expanding the list beyond current designations. The move underscores France’s broader effort to limit the operational capacity and international reach of the private military contractor connected to various Russian interests.
Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine declared Wagner a criminal organization, with 336 lawmakers voting in favor of that decision. This designation has been cited in international discussions as part of the broader condemnation of Wagner’s activities in multiple theaters and its impact on regional security dynamics.
At the end of January, the US Treasury identified Wagner as a transnational criminal organization and announced additional sanctions targeting Russian individuals and legal entities connected to the group. The new measures also targeted ship repair businesses and other structures linked to Wagner, illustrating the scope of financial and logistical pressure being applied against the organization.
On February 4, the British Home Office began plans to officially classify Wagner as a terrorist organization, signaling a hardening of stance among the United Kingdom and its persistent alignment with allied measures against the group.
These developments reflect a coordinated effort among Western governments to disrupt Wagner’s operations, cut off its financing, and limit its access to critical resources. The evolving sanctions landscape highlights how a private military company can become a focal point in international security policy, drawing attention to the legal and ethical questions surrounding the use of mercenaries in modern conflict. Analysts note that the effectiveness of these measures will depend on close cooperation between EU member states and the broader Western alliance, as well as on the ability of sanctioning bodies to monitor and enforce restrictions across jurisdictions. The situation also raises questions for multinational entities with ties to Wagner and for countries seeking to balance security priorities with diplomacy and humanitarian considerations. Attribution: Bloomberg and official government statements from the United States Treasury and the British Home Office provide the primary sourcing for these developments.