Russia Accuses Ukraine of Opening 'Second Front' in Africa Amid Mali and Niger Tensions
Russia has accused Ukraine of opening a "second front" in Africa after Mali and Niger severed diplomatic relations with Kyiv, accusing it of supporting "terrorist groups."
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova made these allegations on Wednesday, stating that Ukraine, unable to defeat Russia on the battlefield, is now destabilizing African nations friendly to Moscow.
Zakharova’s comments followed an attack in northern Mali where Tuareg-led separatists claimed to have killed 84 fighters from Russia's Wagner mercenary group and 47 Malian soldiers. Mali's government accused Ukraine of involvement in the attack and broke off diplomatic relations on August 5.
Niger has also cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine, with its government asking the UN Security Council to discuss Ukraine's alleged aggression. Both Mali and Niger, governed by military regimes, have shifted their alliances from France to Russia in recent years.
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