UK blacklists mercenary groups in Africa in latest sanctions against Russia

‘Strikes at heart of Putin’s war machine’ also target people involved in Ukraine war and Salisbury nerve agent attack.

The United Kingdom has announced dozens of new sanctions against Russia, targeting African mercenary groups backed by Moscow and people involved in the Ukraine war and a nerve agent attack on British soil.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Thursday announced 56 new designations against individuals and entities, which it said target Russia’s military industrial complex and “further restrict the supply of vital military equipment” that Russian President Vladimir Putin requires in Ukraine.

Entities based in China, Turkey and Central Asia were targeted for the alleged supply and production of goods such as machine tools, microelectronics and components for drones.

Three private mercenary groups, including the Wagner Group’s successor Africa Corps and “11 individuals associated with Russian proxies” were sanctioned as well.

“These targets have direct links to the Kremlin, have threatened peace and security in Libya, Mali and the Central African Republic, and have committed widespread human rights abuses across the continent,” the Foreign Office said.