A special working group on sanctions against Russia, formed by the International Sanctions and Export Control Society (ISECS), continues its work. In early August this year, the second meeting of the working group was held under the chairmanship of Ilona Khmeleva, Secretary of the ESCU. The meeting focused on countering the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) and the tools that could be used for this purpose. Among the speakers were a representative of the U.S. intelligence community, who wished to remain anonymous, and Jason McCue, head of the London law firm McCue Jury & Partners. Jason is coordinating a legal campaign against the Wagner PMC, including preparing class action lawsuits in the context of the war in Ukraine.
The participants of the discussion agreed that the activities of the Wagner PMC are directed not only against Ukraine but also against global security as a whole. This is one of the examples that proves countering Russia is a common task for the civilized world.
In her interview for one of the Ukrainian channels, Ilona Khmeleva stated that international organizations should closely monitor the activities of the Wagner PMC and similar groups.
“The Wagner Group receives at least part of its weaponry from the official Russian authorities and Russian troops. Even now, these weapons often contain Western components or are manufactured using Western tools. This is why helping Ukraine and imposing stronger sanctions are not just acts of charity but acts of self-defense for the entire civilized world.”
Strengthening sanctions policy is an important factor in stopping illegal activities. However, the application of sanctions and export controls must be systematic. Moreover, Western components continue to be used in Russian weapons and their production means. It is not possible to simultaneously recognize Wagner as a terrorist or criminal organization and continue to ignore the existence of schemes to circumvent sanctions and export controls.
In the legal dimension, lawsuits, including those in national courts, are also important. This can help confiscate assets and disrupt supply chains.
