Ukraine regrets Niger’s decision to sever diplomatic relations

Ukrainian foreign ministry said on Thursday Niger’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Kyiv was “regrettable” and that Kyiv saw the move as based on groundless and untrue allegations.

Niger’s military leaders have decided to show solidarity with neighboring Mali, which has broken off diplomatic relations with Ukraine, accused of supporting rebels fighting in northern Mali.

At least 84 Russian Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers have died in what appeared the heaviest defeat for Wagner since it stepped in two years ago to help Mali’s military authorities fight insurgent groups.

“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,” the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.