- Ukraine denies arming Mali rebels
- Mali cuts ties with Ukraine over alleged support
- Russia-backed mercenaries suffer heavy losses
Ukraine’s foreign ministry has categorically denied allegations of supplying drones to rebels fighting against the Malian army and Russia-backed mercenaries. This comes after Paris-based Le Monde newspaper reported that Ukrainian drones were providing crucial support to Tuareg rebels, who have been benefiting from “discreet but decisive support from Kyiv”.
Mali’s junta-led government severed ties with former colonial power France in 2022, opting for Russian support to combat the long-standing insurgency in the north. However, this alliance has failed to quell the unrest, with recent heavy losses suffered by both Malian and Russian forces.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry statement strongly rejected the accusations, calling for an end to “spreading false information that repeats the fake narratives of Russia’s propaganda”. The ministry also denied arming, providing information, or giving “support to the terrorist coalition”.
The controversy surrounding Ukraine’s involvement in Mali began after Andriy Yusov, spokesman for Kyiv’s military intelligence service, revealed that rebels in Mali had received “necessary information” to execute a successful attack. This admission led to Mali rebel commanders acknowledging cooperation with Kyiv, albeit reluctantly.
In late July, a significant clash resulted in the deaths of at least 84 Russia-backed fighters and 47 Malian soldiers at Tinzaouten, northern Mali. This defeat marked the heaviest loss for the Wagner mercenary group, now rebranded as Corps Africa.
Mali severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine in August following Yusov’s remarks, with a top official accusing Ukraine of violating the country’s sovereignty. Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, initiated in 2022, has led to increased isolation from Western nations, prompting Moscow to expand its influence in Africa through strategic alliances.
