“Russia spreads violence wherever it sets foot”, Ukraine says after Bucha-style atrocities from “white men” revealed in Mali

Russia is exporting its model of violence used in Bucha, Izium, and Pokrovsk beyond Ukraine. The actions of the Russian Ministry of Defense’s African Corps in Mali replicate the tactics of the regular Russian army in Ukraine: abductions, killings of civilians, sexual violence, and village burnings, says Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The minister has urged African states not to cooperate with Russian forces, as their presence brings violence rather than security.

Russia spreads violence wherever it sets its foot

Sybiha has urged the international community to respond decisively to the crimes committed by Russian armed units in Mali. Russia spreads the same model of violence across different regions, regardless of the name under which its units operate.

"The label may be different, Wagner, Africa Corps, or just “Russian Army”, but the essence is the same. Russia spreads violence, chaos, destabilization, plundering, and brutality wherever it sets its foot," he wrote on X. 

Ukraine proposes international fact-finding mission and independent investigation

He added that following these revelations, Ukraine demands the strongest possible international legal action, since these formations officially fall under the Russian Ministry of Defense.

"We are demanding international legal action, including arrest warrants and sanctions. We also insist on an international fact-finding mission and independent investigation," Sybiha stressed.

The Ukrainian foreign minister called on the international community to increase support for African states facing heightened security risks due to the presence of Russian military forces.