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Mali cited comments from Ukraine’s Ambassador to Senegal, Yurii Pyvovarov, who, in a Facebook video, expressed support for the rebels’ actions read more
 "Mali cuts diplomatic ties with Ukraine amid Wagner Group defeat")
Source: Reuters.
Mali has announced it is severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine following accusations that Kyiv played a role in a major defeat for Russia’s Wagner mercenary group and Malian soldiers.
The decision comes after remarks by Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR), who implied Ukrainian support for Malian rebels in an attack against Wagner forces.
Heavy defeat for Wagner
In late July, Tuareg rebels in northern Mali claimed to have killed at least 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers over three days of intense fighting near the Algerian border. This clash, starting on July 25, is reported to be Wagner’s most significant defeat since its involvement in Mali began two years ago.
Mali’s reaction
Mali expressed “deep shock” at Yusov’s comments, interpreting them as an admission of Ukraine’s involvement in a “cowardly, treacherous and barbaric attack” that resulted in Malian and Russian casualties. The Malian government, as stated by Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, announced the immediate severance of diplomatic relations with Ukraine.
Controversial support
Mali also cited comments from Ukraine’s Ambassador to Senegal, Yurii Pyvovarov, who, in a Facebook video, expressed support for the rebels’ actions. Senegal had summoned Pyvovarov, reflecting the broader regional concern over the comments.
Reports indicate that Tuareg rebels and fighters from the al-Qaeda affiliate Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin ambushed Malian and Russian forces while they were waiting for reinforcements after retreating from Tinzaouaten. The exact number of casualties has not been confirmed by either Mali’s military or Wagner, now known as the Africa Corps. However, estimates suggest that Wagner’s death toll ranges from 20 to 80 fighters.
Russian support for Mali
In response to Mali’s situation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed support for Bamako during a recent call with Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop. This support aligns with Mali’s growing ties with Russia, particularly since Wagner’s deployment in late 2021, which replaced French troops and international peacekeepers.
Malian government’s position
Since a military coup in 2020, Mali’s government has prioritised reclaiming territory from separatists and militant groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS. Wagner’s presence in Mali, estimated at about 1,000 fighters, has been controversial due to allegations of human rights abuses, which Malian authorities deny.
With inputs from agencies
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