The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed accusations from the Mali Transitional Government alleging Ukraine’s involvement in last month’s fatal clashes, which resulted in the deaths of several Malian soldiers and Wagner mercenaries.
Ukraine has asserted its commitment to international law and the sovereignty of nations, emphasizing that it does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. The ministry firmly rejected the Mali government’s allegations of Ukrainian support for international terrorism, stating:
“Ukraine unwaveringly adheres to international legal norms and the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. We categorically deny the claims by Mali’s Transitional Government regarding alleged Ukrainian support for international terrorism.”
This statement follows Mali’s decision to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine. The Malian government had suggested that Kyiv was involved in the deadly conflict near the Algerian border last month.
Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukrainian military intelligence, indicated last week that the rebels received the “necessary information” for their attacks. Mali’s Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga expressed surprise at these claims and accused Ukraine of violating Mali’s sovereignty, interpreting Yusov’s remarks as an admission of Ukrainian involvement in what he described as a cowardly and barbaric attack by terrorist groups.
Ukraine has highlighted its role in regional security, noting its participation in UN missions in Mali from 2019 to 2022. The Ukrainian ministry regretted Mali’s decision to cut ties without presenting evidence of Ukraine’s involvement.
“Unfortunately, the Transitional Government of Mali chose to terminate diplomatic relations with Ukraine without a comprehensive investigation into the incident in northern Mali and without providing any proof of Ukraine’s involvement,” the ministry said. “Ukraine reserves the right to pursue all necessary political and diplomatic actions in response to the Mali government’s unfriendly measures.”
Last week, Mali’s military acknowledged significant losses during the fighting that erupted on July 25 near Tinzaouaten, a northeastern town bordering Algeria. Wagner has confirmed the death of one of its commanders and the downing of a Russian helicopter amid intense combat involving approximately 1,000 fighters.
