The military governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger collectively appealed to the UN Security Council, demanding action against alleged Ukrainian backing of regional rebel groups, referring to a July clash where Tuareg rebels reportedly killed dozens of Russian Wagner mercenaries and their local allies.
Junta-run Niger breaks diplomatic relations with Ukraine, citing alleged support for terrorist group, following Mali's similar action after Tuareg rebels defeated Malian soldiers and Russia's Wagner mercenaries. Niger plans to request UN Security Council debate on Ukraine's "aggression".
The long-awaited delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine marks a pivotal moment in the country's air defense strategy, with the aircraft featuring advanced Danish-manufactured early warning systems. However, The Economist reports that limited numbers and complex maintenance requirements may delay the jets' full impact on the battlefield.
The Ukrainian government claims that Kremlin-backed Wagner Group activities in Africa mirror Russian aggression in Ukraine, violating international norms and threatening regional security.
Mali breaks diplomatic relations with Ukraine, citing Ukrainian officials' statements supporting Tuareg rebels who attacked Wagner Group and Malian army. Senegal summons Ukrainian ambassador over Facebook post.
Ukraine flips Russia's playbook, disrupting Wagner's African gold operations and emerging as a surprise regional power broker. Security expert Omar Ashour notes the strategic shift: "The fight is global now. You cannot limit it to one theater."