Mali breaks off diplomatic relations with Ukraine over Wagner attack controversy. Ukraine's MFA reacts

This is stated in a communiqué published on Sunday, August 4, by the transition government of the African state.

"The Transition Government of the Republic of Mali has taken note with deep shock of the subversive remarks made by Mr. Andriy Yusov... The Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman recognized Ukraine's involvement in the cowardly, treacherous and barbaric attack by armed terrorist groups, which led to the death of members of the Malian defense and security forces," the communiqué reads.

The document states that these remarks were supported by Ukraine's Ambassador to Senegal, Yuriy Pyvovarov, who openly and unequivocally stated that his country supports international terrorism, in particular in Mali.

"These extremely serious statements, which have not been the subject of any denial or condemnation by the Ukrainian authorities, demonstrate the clear official support of the Ukrainian government for terrorism in Africa, and more specifically in Mali," the document emphasizes.

The transition government stated that the actions of the Ukrainian authorities are a violation of Mali's sovereignty, go beyond foreign intervention, are reprehensible in themselves and grossly violate international law. Therefore, the communiqué decided to "immediately sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine," said government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga.

Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Mali were established on November 5, 1992. The interests of Ukrainian citizens in Mali are represented by the Embassy of Ukraine in Algeria.

Reaction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

The Ukrainian diplomatic agency described the decision of Mali's transitional government as "short-sighted and hasty." They emphasized that Ukraine, as a victim of unprovoked full-scale aggression by Russia, is striving - supported by the international community - to restore justice and uphold international law. This law is meant to protect all countries, including African nations, from threats to their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

"Ukraine unconditionally adheres to international law, the inviolability of sovereignty, and the territorial integrity of other countries, and strongly rejects the transitional government's accusations of 'Ukraine's support for international terrorism,'” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated.

The Ministry also recalled that in the twentieth century, Ukraine, as one of the founders of the United Nations, actively supported the right of African peoples to independence and decolonization, including the Republic of Mali.

Instead, Russia, by continuing its unprovoked full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine, is undermining the international security architecture and violating the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter. These principles specifically guarantee the right of African countries to a free future, Ukrainian diplomats noted.

Ukraine is recognized in Africa as a key contributor to regional security. Its Blue Helmets contingent has significantly contributed to several peacekeeping operations under the auspices of the United Nations, including from 2019 to 2022 as part of the UN Mission in Mali, the ministry added.

"It is regrettable that the transitional government of the Republic of Mali has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine without thoroughly examining the facts and circumstances of the incident in northern Mali, or providing any evidence of Ukraine's involvement. This decision disregards the fact that Kremlin-controlled military structures, particularly Wagner, use terrorist methods and are directly involved in numerous war crimes, including the killing of civilians and mistreatment of prisoners of war, both in Ukraine and in African countries," the Foreign Ministry stated.

The ministry assured that Ukraine reserves the right to take all necessary political and diplomatic measures in response to the unfriendly actions of the transitional government of Mali.

• On July 28, Tuareg rebels killed and wounded dozens of Russian Wagner PMC mercenaries in the Republic of Mali. Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, stated that the Malian rebels "received the necessary information that allowed them to conduct a successful military operation against Russian war criminals." Yusov also mentioned that similar operations would continue.