In a surprising move, Mali has announced the severing of diplomatic ties with Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of involvement in attacks on Malian soldiers that took place in late July. The Ukrainian government has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that no evidence has been provided to support such claims.

The escalation between the two countries began after Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for Ukraine's military intelligence agency, made comments on a Ukrainian government-backed TV show regarding the fierce battles in northern Mali. Yusov claimed that rebels received crucial information from an unknown source, enabling them to carry out a successful operation against Russian paramilitary troops.

While the exact death toll remains uncertain, dozens of Malian and Russian fighters from the notorious Wagner Group are believed to have been killed in the attacks, according to an analyst specialized in the region. Reports from Wagner-linked Telegram channels also confirmed the group's losses in northern Mali.

Mali perceived Yusov's comments as evidence of Ukraine's involvement in a "cowardly, traitorous, and barbaric attack" by armed terrorist groups. Furthermore, Mali now considers supporting Ukraine to be equivalent to supporting international terrorism. This decision comes at a time when Kyiv is actively seeking support from countries worldwide to counter Russia's invasion and regain control of its occupied territories.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry criticized Mali's decision to cut ties, labeling it as "shortsighted and hasty." They firmly rejected the allegations of supporting terrorism, highlighting that Mali failed to thoroughly investigate the incident or present any concrete evidence of Ukraine's involvement. The statement by the Malian government accusing Ukraine's ambassador of openly supporting international terrorism has been met with confusion and disbelief by Ukrainian officials.

Complicating matters is the fact that Mali's leadership, following a coup in 2020, has turned away from traditional sources of assistance and has sought cooperation with Russia instead. Malian authorities have announced the arrival of Russian trainers in the country for 2021. While Mali maintains a "state to state" relationship with Russia, it is widely known that the Wagner Group has been actively involved in fighting alongside Malian troops.

Mali is now calling for the statements made by Yusov and the Ukrainian ambassador to be referred to legal authorities, stating that they constitute acts of terrorism and an apology for terrorism. Mali is also urging African nations to take measures to ensure stability in the region, particularly with regards to Ukrainian embassies suspected of harboring terrorists.

Ukraine has pointed out that groups under Kremlin control, including the Wagner Group, have been linked to terrorist methods and numerous war crimes. The Wagner Group, formerly led by Russian mercenary commander Yevgeniy Prigozhin, has been active in various conflict zones globally.

While there are doubts about direct Ukrainian involvement in the attacks, some experts believe that Ukraine has provided support to the rebel groups, including financial aid. It is believed that the Tuareg rebels reached out to Ukraine for assistance, leading to a small group undergoing training in Ukraine, including training on the use of drones.

The ongoing tension between Mali and Ukraine highlights the complexities of the situation in Mali, which has been plagued by internal strife and the presence of various armed groups. As both countries traded accusations and severed diplomatic ties, the repercussions of this dispute could have wider implications for international relations in the region.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether diplomatic relations can be restored or if this dispute will further complicate efforts to achieve peace and stability in Mali.

(Note: The article is based on available information and statements provided by both parties involved. The claims and allegations mentioned are those reported in the source material and may require further investigation.