The Kremlin claims that Ukraine is "pandering to terrorist groups in countries on the continent that are friendly to Moscow."

On Wednesday, Russia accused Ukraine of opening a "second front" in Africa, following Mali's accusation that Kyiv supported an attack by separatist rebels last month and the subsequent severing of diplomatic ties. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, told the RIA Novosti news agency that Ukraine was "opening a second front in Africa and is catering to terrorist groups in nations on the continent that are friendly to Moscow."

Mali ended its diplomatic relationship with Ukraine after its army suffered significant losses in late July due to insurgent and separatist forces. However, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry stated that Mali had not provided any evidence linking Ukraine to the attack.

On Tuesday, Niger also cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine "with immediate effect," accusing Kyiv of supporting "terrorist groups."

Niger, which, like Mali, is governed by a military regime, announced it would request that the UN Security Council address Ukraine's "aggression," according to government spokesperson Amadou Abdramane in a televised statement.

The conflict originated from comments by Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military intelligence agency, who claimed that Malian rebels had received the "necessary" information for their attack.

In addition, Niger, Mali, and other West African nations have criticized remarks made by Ukraine's ambassador to Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, and Liberia about the ongoing conflict.

This dispute arises as Ukraine seeks to bolster its global support, particularly in the Global South.