Ukrainian military accused of involvement in Mali conflict

For three days, from 25 to 27 July, in Mali, the village of Tinzaouatene witnessed fierce fighting between the Malian army, supported by Russian allies, and separatist Tuareg fighters. Various sources claim that the Ukrainian military assisted the combatants in this battle, highlighting Kiev’s willingness to cooperate with any group to counter Russia.

Following the successful capture of Kidal in November 2023, the Malian army, with Russian support, continued its strategy to reclaim territories occupied by separatists from the Azawad movement. On 22 July, the village of In-Afarak, located 122 km north-west of Tessalit in the Kidal region, returned to the control of the Malian Armed Forces.

Surprised by the Malian army’s steady advance, the separatists intensified their efforts to destabilise the region. The fighting then shifted to Tinzaouatene, near the Algerian border, where the Malian army was attacked on 25 July by an armed group. The Malian Armed Forces (FAMA) repelled the attack and struck enemy positions. However, a sandstorm enabled the separatists to regroup and bring in reinforcements from the terrorist group JNIM. Various sources indicate that the Malian army and their Russian allies were trapped and suffered significant losses.

Social media reports suggested that Ukrainian military personnel were involved in organising the trap in Tinzaouatene. It was revealed that Ukrainian drone operators were near the separatists, using FPV drones and heavy quadcopters to support their operations. Considering the active assistance provided by Russian allies to Mali, Ukraine’s involvement in the conflict is not surprising. Furthermore, information indicates that separatists were taken to Ukraine to learn how to operate FPV drones.

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence confirmed its involvement in supporting the separatists and terrorists attacking the Malian army. Ukrainian intelligence representative Andriy Yusov stated, “The rebels [Tuaregs] received the necessary information and not only information, which allowed them to conduct a successful military operation.”

Kiev has reportedly recently increased its presence in West Africa, a region where Russia has long-standing partnerships. In an effort to confront Russia, Kiev is allegedly employing various methods, including supporting terrorist organisations.