Mali has announced the severing of diplomatic ties with Ukraine. This decision follows statements made by a senior Ukrainian official, who allegedly acknowledged Kyiv’s involvement in a significant military defeat that occurred in July, resulting in numerous casualties among soldiers of the Russian Wagner Group as well as Malian troops. Northern Tuareg rebels claim to have killed at least 84 mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers over three days of fighting at the end of July. This attack reportedly marks Wagner Group’s largest defeat since it entered the conflict two years ago.
On July 29, Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR), stated to the public broadcaster Suspilne that the Malian rebels had received “all the intelligence they needed to carry out their operation against the Russian war criminals.” Mali’s government expressed that it learned “with deep shock” about Yusov’s remarks, accusing him of “admitting Ukraine’s involvement in a treacherous, deceitful, and barbaric attack carried out by armed terrorist groups, which resulted in the deaths of members of the Malian defense and security forces.” According to the government spokesperson, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, Mali will cut ties “immediately.”
Mali also referenced comments made by Ukraine’s ambassador to Senegal, Yurii Pyvovarov, who was summoned by Senegal over a video posted on Facebook in which Pyvovarov gave “unequivocal and unconditional support for the terrorist attack” in Mali. Maiga stated that Ukraine’s actions violated Malian sovereignty and constituted unacceptable foreign intervention as well as support for international terrorism.
Intense fighting erupted near the Algerian border on July 25 at a military camp in Tinzaouatene. Mali’s military has acknowledged suffering a “significant amount” of casualties during the clashes but has not disclosed specific numbers. This week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed his support for Bamako in a phone call with his Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop.
The West African country’s military seized power in a coup in 2020 and has prioritized regaining control over territory from separatists and militant groups associated with al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS). They have also strengthened ties with Russia, and the Wagner Group has been active in Mali since late 2021, replacing French troops and international peacekeeping forces. The paramilitary group is estimated to have around 1,000 soldiers in Mali but has also been accused of carrying out attacks and drone strikes that have killed civilians. Malian authorities deny these allegations.