'Groundless accusations': Ukraine's MFA responds to Niger's decision to break off diplomatic relations

This statement appeared on the Foreign Affairs Ministry's website.

The Ministry dismissed the accusations against Ukraine, stating that they "do not withstand any criticism, are groundless and untrue."

Ukraine also denied any claims of "support for international terrorism, violation of the UN Charter and international law."

"We consider that such a decision is a gesture of «solidarity» with those who have chosen the path of rapprochement with the terrorist state, the Russian Federation, which for more than two years has been waging an unprovoked full-scale aggressive war against Ukraine, using large-scale terror against our state, its population and civil infrastructure, commiting numerous war crimes against the Ukrainian people, destabilizing the international security and political situation, spreading chaos and confrontation in all corners of the world, including the African continent.," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The Ministry expressed regret that Niger's authorities chose to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine "without conducting any investigation of the incident in Mali and without providing any evidence referring to the reasons for such a move."

Ukraine remains committed to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with all African nations based on equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the MFA added.

What is known

On July 28, Tuareg rebels in Mali killed and wounded several mercenaries from the Russian private military company "Wagner." Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense, noted that the Malian rebels "received critical information that enabled a successful military operation against Russian war criminals." Yusov also indicated that similar operations will continue.

The transitional government of Mali accused Ukraine of "supporting international terrorism" and "violating the sovereignty of the Republic of Mali."

On Tuesday, August 6, Niger also announced it was cutting diplomatic ties with Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of backing "terrorist groups."

Niger's government spokesperson stated he would request the UN Security Council to address Ukraine's "aggression."