Mali has cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine after it provided intelligence to Malian rebels who ambushed Wagner Group forces in July. Government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga announced the decision in a televised statement. He condemned Ukraine’s actions, emphasizing Mali’s stance for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Andriy Yusov, of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), had earlier confirmed Kyiv’s involvement in the ambush, stating that they supplied the intelligence that enabled the rebels’ successful operation against Wagner forces. The ambush, allegedly carried out by Tuareg rebels and al Qaeda affiliate JNIM, reportedly killed 50 Russians and several Malian soldiers. Although unsubstantiated, the rebels further claimed that they captured some Malian troops and Russian soldiers in the ambush. Unofficial Russian sources suggest that the ambush led to the death of up to 80 Russians, marking the worst loss ever for Russian paramilitaries since they started operating in Africa.
SOURCE: CNN
Mali Severs Diplomatic Relations with Ukraine Over Intelligence Sharing
