Ukraine says Mali’s decision to cut diplomatic ties ‘short-sighted, hasty’

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine on Monday called Mali's decision to cut its diplomatic ties with Kyiv as “short-sighted and hasty.”

A statement by the Foreign Ministry said Ukraine adheres to norms of international law and rejected Mali’s accusations of alleging the country’s "support of international terrorism."

Ukraine, the ministry said, actively supported the right of African peoples to independence and decolonization, including Mali, and that Kyiv is known in Africa as an “important contributor to ensuring regional security” through its contribution to multiple UN peacekeeping operations.

It accused Russia of “destroying the architecture of international security” and violating the “goals and principles of the UN Charter.”

“It is regrettable that the Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali decided to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine without conducting a thorough study of the facts and circumstances of the incident in the north of Mali, and without providing any evidence of Ukraine's involvement in the said event,” the ministry said.

It said that the use of “terrorist methods” by “military structures under the control of the Kremlin, particularly Wagner,” as well as their “direct involvement in numerous war crimes” is being ignored.

“Ukraine reserves the right to take all necessary political and diplomatic measures in response to the unfriendly actions of the Transitional Government of the Republic of Mali,” the statement added.

Mali on Sunday said it cut diplomatic relations with Ukraine, after a military official suggested Kyiv had played a role in fighting near the Algerian border last month. Dozens of Malian soldiers were killed in clashes. Wagner soldiers also suffered losses.

The West African nation has moved closer to Russia in recent years. Wagner is said to be operating in the country since late 2021, replacing French troops and international peacekeepers.

The military seized power in an initial coup in August 2020. The junta leader, Col. Assimi Goita, then forced out an interim civilian government in May 2021, taking over the presidency.