Ukraine refutes any engagement in the armed conflict in northern Mali that resulted in the loss of lives of Malian military personnel and Wagner combatants in July, referring to Mali’s choice to cut off diplomatic relations following the clash as “impulsive and lacking in foresight”. On Sunday, in response to statements from Andriy Yusov, a representative for Ukraine’s military intelligence unit, Mali terminated its diplomatic relations with Ukraine. Yusov alleged that essential data was supplied to Malian insurgents enabling the assault.
Despite the remarks cited on the public broadcaster Suspilne’s website on July 29th, Yusov did not explicitly indicate Ukraine’s participation in the dispute. Ukraine’s foreign office articulated disappointment on Monday over Mali’s interim government’s decision which they believe was reached without a comprehensive evaluation of the situation and the facts involved.
Ukraine, in an official statement, insisted that it strictly adheres to international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial boundaries of other countries. In reaction to Mali’s steps, Ukraine also preserves the option to employ all crucial political and diplomatic means.
According to the northern Tuareg rebels of Mali, they ruthlessly killed around 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian military personnel during intense clashes in the north of the West African nation. This appeared to be Wagner’s most substantial blow since supporting the military authorities of Mali in tackling insurgent outfits two years back.
Mali claimed that Yusov had “conceded Ukraine’s participation in a vile, treacherous and savage assault carried out by armed terrorist groups that culminated in the deaths of members of the Malian defence and security teams.” – Reuters 2024. All rights reserved by Thomson Reuters.