‘Shortsighted’ of Mali to break diplomatic relations, Kyiv says
Kyiv views Mali’s decision to sever diplomatic relations as “short-sighted” and “hasty,” Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Aug. 5.
The ministry emphasized that Ukraine, itself a victim of Russia's imperial aggression, strives to restore justice and respect for international law.
The statement reiterated that Ukraine supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries and "strongly rejects" the Mali provisional government's accusations of allegedly "supporting international terrorism."
Additionally, the ministry stated that the government of Mali made its decision without "thoroughly examining" the facts and circumstances of the incident involving the killing of Wagner mercenaries and Malian army soldiers in the northern part of the country and provided no evidence of Ukraine's involvement in "supporting terrorism."
Earlier, the provisional government of Mali announced it was severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of aiding Tuareg rebels who attacked a convoy of Russia’s Wagner mercenaries in late July.
According to media reports, between 20 and 50 Wagner fighters may have been killed in the attack.
On Aug. 1, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (HUR) spokesman Andriy Yusov said that Russia had begun redeploying its military personnel and mercenaries from other parts of Africa to Mali following the Tuareg strike in Mali.
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