Russia has accused Ukraine of initiating a ‘second front’ in Africa after Mali and Niger severed diplomatic ties with Kyiv, alleging its support for ‘terrorist groups.’ The accusation came from Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, who told the RIA Novosti news agency on Wednesday that the regime of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, unable to defeat Russia on the battlefield, has shifted its focus to Africa.
Zakharova further accused Ukraine of ‘pandering to terrorist groups in countries on the continent that are friendly to Moscow.’ This statement follows reports of Tuareg-led separatists claiming to have killed 84 fighters from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group and 47 Malian soldiers in a northern Mali attack last month.
Mali officially severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine on August 5, citing alleged Ukrainian involvement in the attack. Government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga expressed shock over comments made by Andriy Yusov, spokesman for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, the GUR. Maiga’s statement accused Yusov of admitting Ukraine’s role in the ‘cowardly, treacherous, and barbaric’ attack that resulted in the deaths of Malian soldiers. On Ukrainian television, Yusov had remarked that the rebels had received the necessary data to carry out their operation against the Russian forces.
Following Mali’s lead, Niger announced on Tuesday that it would also cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine ‘with immediate effect.’ Government spokesman Amadou Abdramane stated in a televised announcement that Niger would request the UN Security Council to address Ukraine’s ‘aggression,’ referring to the same incident in Mali.
The Ukrainian foreign ministry responded on Monday, firmly rejecting Mali’s accusations and expressing regret over Bamako’s ‘hasty’ decision. The ministry stated that Ukraine ‘unconditionally adheres to the norms of international law’ and refuted the claims made by Mali’s transitional government.
The situation has escalated tensions in the region and drawn international attention to the ongoing conflicts and alliances within Africa, as well as the broader geopolitical struggle involving Russia and Ukraine.
Reuters
