Mali has announced it is severing diplomatic ties with Ukraine, accusing the country of involvement in a significant defeat suffered by the Wagner group and Malian soldiers in July.
According to Mali, a senior Ukrainian official, Andriy Yusov, admitted that Ukraine provided crucial information to Tuareg rebels, which led to a heavy defeat in late July.
During these three days of fighting, rebels reportedly killed at least 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers.
Mali’s government expressed deep shock at Yusov’s remarks, describing them as an admission of Ukraine’s involvement in what it considers a “cowardly, treacherous and barbaric” attack. The government has decided to cut diplomatic relations with Ukraine immediately.
Additionally, Mali criticized comments made by Ukraine’s Ambassador to Senegal, Yurii Pyvovarov, who reportedly supported the attack in Mali, further straining relations. Mali accused Ukraine of violating its sovereignty and supporting international terrorism.
Intense fighting occurred near the Algerian border on July 25, at the military camp in Tinzaouatene. While Mali’s army has acknowledged suffering significant casualties, it has not released specific numbers.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed support for Mali in a recent call with Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop.
Mali, which has been ruled by a military junta since a 2020 coup, has increasingly aligned with Russia, with Wagner operatives replacing French and international peacekeepers since late 2021.
The group is believed to have around 1,000 fighters in Mali, though it faces allegations of civilian casualties, which Malian authorities deny.
