Ukraine, Poland say Russia hit Warsaw-bound passenger train

Ukraine's military operations extend beyond the ongoing conflict with Russia, reaching other parts of Africa. Ukrainian drone specialists are assisting forces battling Russian troops in Mali and other African nations, according to CNN. Approximately 15 Ukrainian drone specialists are deployed in northern Mali to support the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front, which is fighting against Russian forces and Mali's military government.

Additionally, Ukrainian specialists are reportedly operating in Sudan and Libya, according to a Ukrainian intelligence source.

The Ukrainian involvement in Mali dates back to at least 2024. Following an ambush near Tinzaouaten in July 2024 that killed dozens of Wagner and Malian troops, Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov indicated that the rebels had received necessary information. Later, Ukraine denied providing substantial assistance.

Ukrainian specialists have also assisted the rebels during recent fighting, when Tuareg and al-Qaeda-linked militants attacked Russian forces, forcing them to withdraw from the area around Kidal.

The cooperation between Ukraine and the Tuareg rebels is primarily driven by a shared adversary: Russian forces. While the two sides have different cultures and religions, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence sources have stated that ideological differences are set aside when facing a common enemy. Ukrainian drone specialists in Mali are not directly engaging in frontline combat but rather focus on training local forces and supporting their drone operations against Russian and Malian government forces.

Ukraine's support for forces fighting Russia in Africa serves both psychological and real purposes. By putting pressure on Moscow, these deployments contribute to the overall war effort at home. Furthermore, the Ukrainian presence in Mali also serves a training role for troops from Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso who have received drone training from Ukrainian soldiers.

This broader military footprint in African nations, including Mali, Sudan, and Libya, demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to using its wartime capabilities to build partnerships, support forces fighting Russian military and economic interests, and challenge Russia's expanding military presence overseas.