The Russian Foreign Ministry accused France of supporting Ukrainian militants in Africa.

Moscow has information that the French authorities provide direct support to the participation of Ukrainian formations in the activities of terrorist groups in African countries. This was announced on July 25 by Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko.

"As for the Ukrainian mercenaries and instructors, they are indeed present on the side of the Islamists and separatists who operate in Mali. Unfortunately, these forces are supported by France," he said in an interview with TASS.

In addition, the diplomat stressed that Paris provides assistance to the Ukrainian forces in their activities as part of extremist groups. According to Borisenko, these formations seek to destabilize the situation and damage the official government of Mali, as well as the authorities of several other states in the region.

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Viktor Mizin21, a leading researcher at the IMEMO RAS Center for International Security, said that Ukraine, by sending its military to Africa, intends to counteract Russia. He also noted that Ukraine is interested in staying in Africa in connection with the usual PR.

On July 17, Borisenko said that the Ukrainian military is in several African states and is trying to form a "second front" against Russia there. He noted that the presence of Ukrainian mercenaries has been recorded in other countries, he cited the example of Sudan.