Ukraine criticizes Mali for cutting ties over alleged involvement in rebel attack

Ukraine has condemned Mali's decision to cut diplomatic ties as hasty and unsupported by evidence, Reuters reports. Mali announced Sunday it was severing relations, accusing Kyiv of supporting a rebel attack that reportedly 47 killed Malian soldiers and at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries in late July. The diplomatic rift began after Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, suggested that Malian rebels received "necessary" information for the attack, though he did not confirm Kyiv's involvement.

Mali's government expressed shock and accused Ukraine of violating its sovereignty and supporting terrorism. Ukraine's foreign ministry rejected these allegations, maintaining its adherence to international law and sovereignty norms. The incident underscores ongoing instability in Mali, where Wagner forces have been aiding the government against insurgents.

The diplomatic fallout occurs as Ukraine seeks to expand its global support, particularly in the Global South.