Niger’s decision comes after Mali cut ties with Kyiv on Sunday, following remarks from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency about recent clashes in northern Mali.
In those battles, Tuareg rebels claimed to have slain at least 84 Wagner mercenaries and 47 Malian soldiers.
The incident appeared to be Wagner’s most severe setback since it began supporting Mali’s military against insurgents two years ago.
Spokesperson Abdourahamane Amadou declared in a televised address that Niger decided to cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine immediately to show solidarity with Mali’s government and its citizens.
The Ukrainian foreign ministry was unavailable for comment at that time.
Ukraine condemned Mali’s decision to cut diplomatic ties as hasty and ill-advised on Monday, denying any involvement in supporting international terrorism.
The dispute arose from remarks by Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence, who suggested that Malian rebels had received critical information for their attacks.
Niger, Mali, and several other West African countries have also rebuked statements made by Ukraine’s ambassador to various West African nations regarding the conflict.
On Friday, Senegal’s foreign minister called in Ukrainian Ambassador Yurii Pyvovarov due to a Facebook video posted by the Ukrainian embassy.
The video reportedly showed Pyvovarov endorsing the attack in Mali, which Senegal viewed as supporting terrorism. This incident highlights Ukraine’s challenges in garnering support, especially in the Global South.