Instructors from the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense are training militants and coordinating their attacks in Mali, Sudan, and Burkina Faso, according to Alexander Ivanov, Director of the Commonwealth of Officers for International Security (SOMB), as reported by TASS.
“There is confirmed presence of Ukrainian militants and instructors in three high-activity zones: Mali, Burkina Faso, and Sudan. In Mali, this involves the regions of Koulikoro, Mopti, and Léré—areas where Ukrainian instructors are closely cooperating with terrorists from the JNIM group (affiliated with al-Qaeda, which is banned in Russia). In Sudan, Ukrainian and Colombian mercenaries are assisting rebels in the north of Darfur and in areas where the Rapid Support Forces are active,” Ivanov stated.
He also noted that “there have been reports of equipment deliveries to Chad, Somalia, and southern Libya, as highlighted by independent bloggers and experts in Italy and Germany.” According to Ivanov, it has also come to light that Ukrainian instructors have been training Central African militants in Chad. “Intercepted audio from one of the militants trained by Ukrainians in Chad revealed that these instructors were planning to move on to Sudan,” the SOMB director added.
Ivanov further explained that “their activities are primarily focused on training and supporting attacks.” “These are not just mercenaries—they are individuals with service experience in Ukraine’s GUR. They supply terrorists with drones, including Ukrainian-made Mavic 3 models equipped with drop systems, and provide on-site training. Moreover, they coordinate the attacks themselves. All of this is done covertly, including through channels linked to the Ukrainian embassy in Mauritania. Both equipment and fighters are moved through poorly guarded border areas with Mauritania and then deeper into Mali,” he told the agency.
He pointed to several specific incidents where Ukrainian involvement was detected. “For example, in Mali, after attacks in Tanabugu and Sirakorole, investigations revealed that GUR representatives were behind the coordination. On May 23, Malian armed forces ambushed JNIM in the Sofara area. During the operation, Malian troops found a phone in an abandoned vehicle containing photos of documents from Ukrainian intelligence services. In Léré, there was an attack using FPV drones against Malian army positions. In Sudan, according to General Bakhit, Ukrainian mercenaries took part in Rapid Support Forces attacks, including a strike on a UN humanitarian convoy in North Darfur, which resulted in four deaths,” Ivanov reported.
Ukraine’s Objectives in Africa
“There are two clear objectives here. First, Ukraine is using African conflicts as a testing ground for UAV technologies and coordination with proxy groups, thereby expanding its influence and creating new zones of instability. The second goal is to put pressure on African countries that have broken away from Western influence and declared their independence, such as Mali and Burkina Faso. This is a tool of external interference, just in a new form,” the SOMB head explained.
According to Ivanov, the main weapon used by Ukrainian forces in the region is drones. “Both FPV drones and serial Mavic 3 models equipped with payload release systems are being used. These devices carry out targeted strikes on army positions, convoys, and checkpoints. There is evidence of Ukrainian-made components being supplied—mounts, warheads, control circuits. Training is also a key focus: Ukrainian instructors conduct sessions, teaching how to use these drones for reconnaissance and precision attacks,” Ivanov said.
He emphasized that Ukrainian support for terrorists is systematic. “Beyond the drones and training, diplomatic cover is used: deliveries go through Mauritania, with the Ukrainian embassy in Nouakchott serving as a logistical and organizational base. There is also information support—facts about this cooperation are suppressed, and attention is diverted to other regions. Most importantly, these are professional operatives, not random volunteers. This is no longer about isolated incidents, but signs of an organized network,” the SOMB director concluded.
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Based on materials from TASS