Mali has officially cut diplomatic relations with Ukraine following claims that Kyiv played a role in deadly clashes near the Algerian border in July. Malian soldiers and Russian Wagner mercenaries were killed in a series of confrontations with Tuareg separatists and al-Qaeda-linked militants.
Andriy Yusov, a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson, stated that rebels were provided with “necessary information” to carry out the attacks. Mali’s government, led by Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, reacted strongly, accusing Ukraine of violating its sovereignty and being complicit in the violence.
Maiga condemned Yusov’s comments, describing them as an admission of Ukraine’s involvement in what he called a “cowardly, treacherous, and barbaric” attack. As a result, Mali has cut ties with Ukraine “with immediate effect.”
Mali’s military previously acknowledged “significant” losses during the clashes, which began on July 25 in the desert near the town of Tinzaouaten, located on the border with Algeria. Reports suggest that Malian and Wagner forces were ambushed while awaiting reinforcements after retreating from Tinzaouaten.
Exact casualty figures remain unclear, but Wagner’s death toll is estimated to range between 20 and 80, marking one of its heaviest losses since it began supporting Mali’s military two years ago. Wagner also reported the death of one of its commanders and the downing of a Russian helicopter during the fighting.
Tuareg-led separatists claimed responsibility for killing 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers in the attack. This conflict traces back to a Tuareg rebellion over a decade ago, which led to Mali’s government losing control of the northern region. Islamist militants later compounded the situation, further destabilizing the country.
Mali’s military junta, which took power in coups in 2020 and 2021, shifted alliances from France to Russia in an effort to combat the insurgency.