Ukraine reacts after Mali’s decision to sever diplomatic relations

Ukrainian authorities have reacted to the decision of the Mali to break off all diplomatic relations, following the observation that Ukraine contributed to the murder of several Russian and Malian soldiers.

Ukraine on Monday condemned Mali’s decision to cut diplomatic ties as short-sighted and hasty, saying that no evidence had been provided to show Kyiv had played any role in fighting that killed Malian soldiers and Russian mercenaries last month.

During the clashes, Tuareg rebels said they killed at least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers.

The incident appeared to be Wagner’s heaviest defeat since it stepped in two years ago to help Mali’s military authorities fight insurgent groups.

“It is regrettable that … Mali decided to sever … relations … without conducting a thorough study of the facts and circumstances of the incident … and without providing any evidence of Ukraine’s involvement in the said event,” the Ukrainian foreign ministry said in a statement.