Mali Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine Over Allegedly Supporting Terrorism

Mali has announced the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with Ukraine following comments from a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson about recent deadly clashes in northern Mali. The decision comes amid accusations that Ukraine provided support to Malian Tuareg rebels in their fight against Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner mercenaries.

The controversy began with remarks by Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR), who hinted that Ukrainian forces had provided “necessary information” to Malian rebels. These comments followed intense fighting in Tinzaouaten, where at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers were reportedly killed.

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Yusov’s comments, published on Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne’s website, suggested that the information provided enabled the rebels to conduct a successful military operation. “The rebels received all the necessary information they needed, and not just the information, which allowed them to conduct a successful military operation against Russian perpetrators of war crimes. We certainly won’t go into details now – you will see more of this in the future,” Yusov stated.

Mali’s government responded with outrage, accusing Ukraine of supporting terrorism. “The transitional government of the Republic of Mali has learned, with deep shock, of the subversive remarks by which Mr. Andriy Yusov… has admitted Ukraine’s involvement in a cowardly, treacherous and barbaric attack,” said government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga. He further condemned Ukraine’s actions as violations of Mali’s sovereignty and acts of aggression.

In addition to Yusov’s comments, remarks by Yurii Pyvovarov, Ukraine’s ambassador to several West African countries, were also cited. Senegal’s foreign ministry had previously summoned Pyvovarov over a video in which he expressed support for the Malian rebels’ actions.

Ukraine, however, has denied any involvement in the fighting in Mali. The Ukrainian foreign ministry described Mali’s decision to cut diplomatic ties as “short-sighted and hasty,” asserting that Ukraine respects international law and the sovereignty of other nations. “Ukraine unconditionally adheres to the norms of international law, the inviolability of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries,” the ministry stated.

The clashes in Tinzaouaten mark one of the heaviest defeats for the Wagner Group since they began supporting Mali’s military against insurgent groups two years ago. The situation has highlighted the complex dynamics in the region, where international involvement and local insurgencies intersect.

Mali’s decision to cut ties with Ukraine has significant diplomatic implications, reflecting the heightened tensions and the broader geopolitical struggles playing out in Africa. The Malian government has indicated it will take further steps to prevent destabilisation efforts and has called on regional and international bodies to address the issue.

As the situation develops, the international community will closely watch the responses from both Mali and Ukraine, as well as the reactions from other nations involved in the region’s complex political landscape.