Mali Cuts Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine Over Wagner Ambush Claims

Niger has also announced that it will ask the UN Security Council to debate Ukraine's "aggression", citing heavy losses suffered by the Malian army in late July. However, the exact nature and extent of Ukraine's involvement in the conflict remains unclear, with Ukraine's denial of involvement contradicting Mali's accusations.

The transitional government of Mali has condemned the actions of Ukraine, citing hostility from Ukrainian authorities. This comes after a rebel ambush in Mali resulted in the deaths of dozens of Russian mercenaries, marking their worst known loss in Africa. The attack was claimed by a Tuareg rebel group in conjunction with the al Qaeda affiliate. Mali has subsequently cut diplomatic relations with Ukraine, with a military official suggesting that Kyiv played a role in the deadly fighting near Algeria. The northern Tuareg rebels claim to have killed at least 84 mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers in the clashes. A senior official from Mali has accused Ukraine of being involved in the heavy defeat in July, which was reported to have provided the Malian rebels with the necessary information to carry out the attack.