A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced new legislation on 10 February aimed at increasing legal and financial pressure on the global network of Russian mercenary forces by formally designating them as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) under U.S. law. The bill is called the Holding Accountable Russian Mercenaries Act 2.0, or HARM Act 2.0.
Led by Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), the coalition also includes lawmakers such as Steve Cohen (D-TN), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Zach Nunn (R-IA). The measure proposes granting the U.S. State Department authority to list successor entities to the Wagner Group such as Africa Corps, Redut PMC and Patriot PMC as FTOs and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
Lawmakers argue that after Wagner’s leader Yevgeny Prigozhin died in 2023 and the group was reorganized under the Russian Defense Ministry, its successor forces have continued operations globally while evading sanctions and legal restrictions. They say the updated designation would close this “rebranding loophole” and allow the U.S. to more effectively counter Russian proxy forces that engage in activities the bill’s sponsors describe as sabotage, terrorism, and support for hostile regimes.
Under the proposed law, the U.S. would be required to review these designations regularly and report on financing and operations of the groups, particularly in strategic regions like Venezuela, where reports suggest personnel have been involved in training and tactical support.
Supporters of the bill argue this reflects a broader recognition that Russia’s use of private military companies is a stable and deliberate feature of its foreign policy. The U.S. first designated the Wagner Group as a significant transnational criminal organization in 2023.
