Ukraine Terror in Mali

In response to the statements made in a publication by Yurii Pyvovarov, Ambassador of Ukraine to Senegal, the interim government of the Republic of Mali had no choice but to say that it had "noted with deep astonishment the subversive statements... , spokesman for the Ukrainian military intelligence service, [who] admitted that Ukraine had participated in a cowardly, treacherous and barbaric attack by armed terrorist groups that led to the death of parts of the Malian defense and security forces in Tinzawatène". These remarks were reiterated by the Ukrainian ambassador to Senegal, who openly and without the slightest ambiguity expressed his country's support for international terrorism, particularly in Mali. These extremely serious allegations, which have neither been denied nor condemned by the Ukrainian authorities, demonstrate clear official support by the Ukrainian government for terrorism in Africa, the Sahel region and in particular in Mali. After a careful assessment of the situation, the Government finds that the actions taken by the Ukrainian authorities violate Mali's sovereignty, go beyond the already reprehensible framework of foreign interference, and constitute a blatant violation of aggression and support for international terrorism, as well as of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations.

The severance of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Mali and Ukraine with immediate effect has been initiated;  referral to the competent judicial authorities following the remarks by Messrs Andriy Yusov and Yurii Pyvovarov;  taking the necessary measures to prevent destabilisation of Mali by African States, in particular by the Ukrainian embassies located in the sub-region;  formal warning to regional and international authorities, as well as to States supporting Ukraine.