Ukraine has firmly denied accusations that it supplied drones to Tuareg rebels fighting in Mali, a claim that has escalated tensions in the region. These allegations were initially reported by Le Monde, suggesting that Ukrainian drones had been aiding rebel forces battling against the Malian army and Russia-backed mercenaries, specifically the Wagner Group (now renamed Corps Africa).
Mali’s military government, which cut ties with France in 2022 in favor of Russia for military support, has faced ongoing struggles to quell insurgencies in the north. Despite Russia’s involvement, recent clashes resulted in heavy losses for both Malian and Russian forces. This prompted claims from Malian and Nigerien officials that Ukraine was providing material support to the rebels.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry swiftly rejected these accusations, labeling them as “false information” propagated by Russian propaganda. It emphasized that Kyiv had no involvement in supplying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or arming rebel factions in Mali, and called for an end to the spread of misleading narratives. This follows earlier statements by Ukrainian military intelligence, which hinted that the rebels had “received necessary information” for their operations, fueling further speculation about Kyiv’s indirect role.
Mali responded by severing diplomatic ties with Ukraine in August, accusing it of undermining its sovereignty. The situation is indicative of broader geopolitical tensions, with Russia seeking to expand its influence in Africa amid international isolation following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As Moscow deepens its involvement in countries like Mali, any perceived Ukrainian interference becomes a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle for influence in the Sahel region.