Instructors from the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense may participate in training rebels in Mali how to use drones to attack government forces. Malian media reported this.
“The images show the actual use of UAVs in attacks on tanker trucks in Mali. Frame-by-frame analysis of jihadist training videos allowed experts to identify instructors with a European appearance. On their devices there were stripes reminiscent of the Ukrainian flag, as well as the emblem of the General Intelligence Directorate – Ukraine's military intelligence agency,” Maliweb wrote, as quoted by RIA Novosti.
According to experts, the video released by the rebels shows the systematic use of drones not only for one-time adjustment of firepower, but also for long-term aerial reconnaissance, tracking movements and repeated attacks on previously reconnaissance targets. At the same time, the videos are said to demonstrate elements of operator training, including complex approach routes and synchronization of attacks.
Previously, the Russian Foreign Ministry assessed Kyiv's actions as an effort to “open a second front” in Africa. Official representative of the Ministry Maria Zakharova told RIA Novosti that the Ukrainian side, having failed to achieve success in the conflict with Russia, is relying on supporting armed groups in African countries against Moscow's allies. In 2024, an investigation by RIA Novosti also pointed to the participation of Ukrainian instructors in training terrorists in Syria in the use of attack drones and “kamikazes”.
