Report alleges Ukrainian instructors trained separatists in northern Mali

A newspaper reported that Ukrainian instructors trained fighters from a separatist group in northern Mali.

It also cited a source who said Ukraine supplied the group with drones.

These claims have not been confirmed by Ukraine, whose Foreign Ministry did not respond to the newspaper, according to the report.

The allegations matter because Mali and neighboring countries have accused Ukraine of supporting armed groups and have cut diplomatic ties with Kyiv.