Mali has announced the severance of diplomatic ties with Ukraine after a senior official admitted Kyiv’s role in a heavy defeat in July that resulted in the deaths of Russian Wagner group mercenaries and Malian soldiers. The Tuareg rebels claimed responsibility for killing 84 mercenaries and 47 soldiers in northern Mali, marking Wagner’s heaviest defeat since its involvement in the conflict. The Ukrainian military intelligence agency spokesperson acknowledged providing information to the rebels for the operation. Mali condemned Ukraine’s involvement in the attack and cut off relations immediately.
Additionally, Mali pointed out the Ukrainian ambassador’s support for the terrorist attack in Mali, violating their sovereignty and supporting international terrorism. The intense fighting near the Algerian border led to a large number of deaths in Mali’s army. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed support for Mali in a phone call with his Malian counterpart. Despite the accusations against Wagner for civilian casualties and raid operations, Malian authorities have denied the allegations. Mali’s military, which seized power in a 2020 coup, aims to reclaim the country from separatists and extremist groups associated with al-Qaeda and ISIS. Wagner has been operating in Mali since late 2021, following the withdrawal of French troops and international peacekeepers. The mercenary group is estimated to have 1,000 fighters in Mali.
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Mali severs diplomatic relations with Ukraine due to Wagner attack dispute | Conflict News
