In an interview with ‘Sputnik’, Ould Mbarek stated that ‘Ukrainian involvement was clearly evident in the famous battle that took place in the Tinzawatene area, between the Malian army and fighters from the ‘Azawad Liberation Front’ group. He explained that ‘Malian authorities published photos of drones with inscriptions in Ukrainian after the battle, providing tangible evidence of such support. This direction was further confirmed by public statements from the Ukrainian ambassador in Dakar and the director of Ukrainian intelligence, who admitted their country’s role in that military operation.’
The head of the ‘Diloul’ Center for Strategic Studies continued, ‘The Azawad Liberation Front has consistently issued statements claiming responsibility for aerial operations conducted via drones. A French newspaper also published a report confirming that Ukraine supplied the front with these drones, raising the level of support from mere backing to active participation in arming one of the conflict parties.’
He went on to say, ‘Although there is no confirmed information about Ukrainian soldiers directly training members of the Azawad Liberation Front on using these drones, the basics of intelligence and military work suggest that the presence of advanced equipment from a country necessarily requires the presence of advisors and technicians from the same country to train local forces on its use and maintenance.’
Ould Mbarek pointed out ‘the high probability that America and France are the real supporters and the actual background of these aids and interventions, which are conducted under a Ukrainian cover.’
A statement issued by the Malian General Staff, published on the ‘X’ platform, stated, ‘The past few weeks have witnessed an escalation in attacks on residential areas and military bases in Mali. These acts, which enjoy internal and external support, especially in operational, logistical, financial, and media fields, have been carried out.’
The newspaper added, quoting the Malian army, ‘The army found during one incident documents belonging to Ukrainian intelligence and a drone with inscriptions in Ukrainian.’
In November 2024, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop condemned Ukraine’s announcement ‘with pride,’ specifically in Mali, noting that his country had taken precautionary measures, including severing diplomatic relations with Kyiv. He added, ‘Given the seriousness of this blatant aggression, and while awaiting the reaction of the United Nations Security Council following the joint referral by the confederation countries, Mali has taken precautionary measures, notably cutting its diplomatic ties with Ukraine.’
