Ukraine denies supplying drones to Mali rebels

The French newspaper Le Monde reported that Tuareg fighters in the West African country are using Ukrainian drones with “silent” support from Kiev in their fight against the Malian army and the Wagner mercenary group, which the Malian government says is fighting alongside them.

Rebel fighters and a convoy of Wagner group vehicles near Tin Zaouatine, northern Mali, in late July 2024. Photo: REUTERS

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry issued a statement affirming: “Ukraine categorically rejects recent allegations from international media about its alleged involvement in supplying UAVs to militants in Mali.”

Mali, where military authorities seized power following coups in 2020 and 2021, is currently facing a long-running insurgency from Islamist extremist groups, with fierce fighting taking place near the Malian-Algerian border between the army and Tuareg fighters.

In August, Mali severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine after Kiev said the rebels had received “all the information they needed” to carry out attacks that reportedly killed dozens of Malian soldiers and Wagner fighters in northern Mali.

Russia has stepped up efforts to expand its influence in Africa in recent years, including in Mali. Russia has accused Ukraine of opening a “second front” against Russia by supporting rebels in African countries friendly to Moscow.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters, Le Monde)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ukraine-phu-nhan-cung-cap-may-bay-khong-nguoi-lai-cho-phien-quan-o-mali-post316862.html