A Tuareg rebel spokesperson confirmed they received no external aid during their late July battle that significantly impacted Mali’s army and Wagner forces, nor assistance from Ukraine.
In early August, northern rebels reported killing 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers in fierce clashes near Tinzaouaten, marking Wagner’s heaviest defeat since its intervention two years ago.
Comments by Ukraine’s military intelligence on July 29 led Mali to believe Ukraine had assisted the rebels, prompting Mali to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine shortly afterward.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry denied involvement, calling Mali’s response premature and lacking evidence of Kyiv’s role in the conflict. Niger also cut ties with Ukraine over the same issue.
The Tuareg CSP-PSD rebel alliance stated unequivocally that they did not receive Ukrainian help in the Tinzaouaten conflict. Both Mali and Wagner have not disclosed exact troop losses from the clashes.
