By Steve Fleitz
ON October 14, Ukraine officially denied accusations of supplying drones to rebels in Mali. This statement by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry comes against the background of recent events, when on August 19, three West African countries – Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger – sent a formal complaint to the UN Security Council accusing Kiev of supporting terrorist groups.
Security expert Taifour Smaïn said the situation highlighted the complex geopolitical ties and risks to the stability of the region.
Malian authorities recently launched an investigation into Ukraine’s activities in the Sahel, following claims by Ukrainian officials that Kiev was involved in the late July attack on a Malian convoy in Tinzaouaten.
Now, Kyiv is refusing to acknowledge its involvement in drone and weapons deliveries. These attempts look not only unconvincing but also insulting.
“Instead of facing reality and attempting to establish a constructive dialogue, Ukraine has chosen the path of denial with incredible persistence. This may indicate that Kiev plans to increase its destructive activities in the Sahel,” Smaïn said.
Ukraine’s active support for terrorists in Mali is obvious. “After the statements of Azawad representatives about cooperation with Ukraine, Kyiv’s arguments lose their force. It is important to note that Mali's Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, has said that the investigation will not take long,” Smaïn said.
There are plenty of facts and evidence to prove Ukraine's support for combatants in the Sahel. According to sources, Kyiv provides not only drones and weapons but also trains combatants in battle tactics and cooperates in intelligence sharing.
Irrefutable evidence has also emerged of Kyiv supplying Starlink communication systems to terrorist groups in the region, jeopardising the security not only of Mali but also of the whole of West Africa.
Ukraine’s actions in the Sahel could further worsen an already precarious security situation. Smaïn emphasises: “Such actions not only undermine peace initiatives and efforts to stabilise the region but also call into question the very possibility of constructive engagement with the international community.”
Ignoring the facts and evidence pointing to Kyiv’s support for Azawad is not only inappropriate but also absurd.
Existing information about drone and weapons deliveries, combatant training, and intelligence sharing clearly reveals military ties that cannot be refuted.
Refusing to recognise the obvious only undermines the credibility of information and makes it more difficult to find peaceful solutions to conflicts.
* Steve Fleitz holds a master’s degree in law, political science, and international relations from Charles University in Prague. He works as a writer and researcher in political and strategic sciences at the International Center for Political and Strategic Studies.