Ukrainian special forces are helping to strike against Russian forces in Africa — CNN
Ukraine is expanding its operations against Russian forces far beyond its own front lines. About 15 specialists from the Main Intelligence Directorate are in northern Mali, where they are training local rebels to use drones and helping to plan strikes against Russian military forces.
According to CNN, Ukrainian military personnel are also operating in Sudan. Representatives from Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso have traveled to Mali to learn how to operate drones under the guidance of Ukrainian instructors.
The Ukrainian team is collaborating with the Azawad Liberation Front, which is primarily composed of Tuareg rebels. The Ukrainians are not fighting directly on the front lines: they conduct training, assist with operational planning, and remotely coordinate the use of drones.
One of the Ukrainian operators told CNN that he receives a video feed from the drone via the internet and relays instructions to the fighters over the radio. After missions are completed, Ukrainian instructors analyze the actions of the local troops and adjust their tactics.
Cooperation with the Tuaregs has already helped them in battles against the Russian “African Corps.” According to the Ukrainian operator, Ukrainians participated in training the rebels during the operation to capture the strategic city of Kidal. The Russian Ministry of Defense subsequently stated that Ukrainian and European instructors had participated in training the militants.
For Kyiv, operations in Africa have not only military but also practical significance. Ukrainian military personnel gain the opportunity to test equipment under conditions that differ significantly from those on the Ukrainian front—in a hot and dusty environment where drones and other equipment require additional adaptation.
Ukrainian intelligence is also working to train military personnel in Middle Eastern countries. In particular, after Iran began attacking U.S. allies, Ukrainian specialists traveled to at least five countries in the region, where they trained local military personnel to counter the Shahed.
Another area of focus is Libya. According to CNN, Ukrainian maritime drone operators have been active there since late 2025, targeting the Russian “shadow fleet” used to circumvent oil sanctions.
Ukrainian officials explain their presence in Africa as an effort to weaken Russian influence while also applying their own experience in modern drone warfare. The Main Intelligence Directorate emphasizes that this is a practical partnership driven by a common enemy.
Source: CNN
Tuareg rebels have released about 60 Malian soldiers in exchange for one of their leaders—Inkinaane Ag Attaher, a former Malian army officer.
