Ukraine’s foreign ministry expressed regret on Thursday over Niger’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Kyiv, describing the move as based on unfounded and untrue allegations. The Nigerien junta’s decision followed in solidarity with Mali, which had earlier cut ties with Ukraine over comments made by a Ukrainian military intelligence official. These comments were interpreted as support for rebels fighting in northern Mali.
“It is regrettable that the authorities of Niger have decided to terminate diplomatic relations with Ukraine without conducting any investigation into the incident in Mali or providing any evidence as to the reasons for such a step,” stated the Ukrainian foreign ministry.
Tuareg rebels said they killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries during fighting in July in what appeared the heaviest defeat for Wagner since it stepped in two years ago to help Mali’s military authorities fight insurgent groups.
Wagner, a private army, played a major role in the war in Ukraine until last year when its forces mutinied in Russia and its leader died in an air crash a month later. It still has operations in a number of African countries.
The controversy began after Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence, mentioned that Malian rebels had received “necessary” information for their attack. In response, Ukraine firmly denied any involvement or support for “international terrorism,” calling the accusations groundless.
“The accusations against Ukraine cited in the statement by a representative of the government of (Niger) do not stand up to any criticism, are groundless and do not correspond to reality,” it said.
The diplomatic rift occurs as Ukraine continues its battle against Russia’s invasion and strives to garner international support, particularly from the Global South.
Melissa Enoch
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