News Desk

The Advocate Post: Mali announced on Sunday that it is cutting diplomatic ties with Ukraine after Ukraine admitted its involvement in a recent terrorist attack in Mali. The Malian government condemned the attack, which resulted in the deaths of Malian defense and security forces in Tinzaouaten, and caused significant material damage.

Government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga expressed the transitional government’s shock over statements made by Andriy Yusov, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian military intelligence agency, who admitted Ukraine’s role in the attack. Maiga described the attack as “cowardly, treacherous, and barbaric.”

The Malian army acknowledged heavy casualties from the clashes in Tinzaouaten, located in the north of the country. The Russian-affiliated Wagner Group, which supports the Malian army, also confirmed Russian losses and the death of a commander during the intense fighting.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Senegal, Yurii Pyvovarov, further escalated tensions by expressing Ukraine’s support for international terrorism in Mali, according to Maiga. Pyvovarov’s comments suggested that more actions could follow.

Maiga declared that these accusations demonstrate Ukraine’s official support for terrorism in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region and Mali. He labeled the remarks from Yusov and Pyvovarov as acts of terrorism and an apology for terrorism.

In response, Mali has decided to immediately break off diplomatic relations with Ukraine. The Malian government plans to refer the matter to judicial authorities and take steps to prevent any further destabilization efforts from Ukrainian embassies in the region. They also intend to alert regional and international bodies, as well as countries supporting Ukraine, about Ukraine’s alleged support for terrorism.

Mali views support for Ukraine as synonymous with support for international terrorism, considering it an act of aggression within a broader pattern of certain actors backing and using terrorist groups in the region.