Russian ship defies sanctions to send military vehicles to Mali

Russian and Malian troops have been supplied with a large number of military vehicles, likely delivered by a sanctioned Russian cargo ship, according to BBC Verify's investigation. The convoy arrived in Bamako, Mali's capital, on July 25, traveling from Lomé port in Togo. A sanctioned Russian ship, Mikhail Britnev, docked in Lomé on July 9, based on ship tracking data reviewed by BBC Verify.

Satellite images suggest the ship was carrying the types of military vehicles seen in Bamako, according to experts. The ship left Russia's Baltiysk port on June 18 and navigated through the North Sea and English Channel, escorted by a Russian Ropucha-class warship. The UK Ministry of Defence did not comment on the matter. Experts claim that the deliveries demonstrate Russia's increased support for Mali's ruling junta, which has faced significant rebel advances led by Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Tuareg separatists.

The Kremlin has backed the Mali military government since French forces withdrew in 2022, receiving financial compensation and access to mines and gold deposits. While previous footage showed the Africa Corps unit conducting air strikes against rebel forces, they have struggled to stop their advance. Analyst Charlie Werb stated that the new shipment could bolster Malian and Russian forces to launch offensives against the rebels.

The Mikhail Britnev was sanctioned by the US in 2024; its transponder turned off after passing through the Channel two weeks ago and reappeared when preparing to dock in Togo. The ship carried various military vehicles, including general-purpose trucks, BTR-style armoured personnel carriers, and light-infantry vehicles, as per expert analysis of satellite photos.

These vehicles were transported through Togo and Burkina Faso, a military junta also backed by Moscow. The vehicles could be utilized for logistics, planning maneuvers, and combat operations. BBC Verify learned that Baltiysk port has been a staging point for several ships exporting military materials to West Africa. The bulk carrier Sabetta was tracked after loading military vehicles at the port in February, and it docked at Conakry, Guinea, another port associated with Russian weapons transfers to West African allies.

Another tanker loaded military vehicles at Baltiysk on June 6. Mali's military junta has experienced setbacks, with rebel fighters attacking the northern town of Anefis and other parts of central Mali. Amnesty International called for a war crimes investigation into the summary executions of at least 19 Malian soldiers after an ambush.

However, Werb emphasized that the delivery indicates Russia's determination to defend its allied junta in Mali, considering the country central to Russia's African strategy despite recent setbacks.