Russian Troops Spotted in Mali as Putin aims to Expand Footprint in West Africa despite Ukraine Woes

Military News

Russia is looking to expand its footprint in Mali as it announced strengthening defence ties with the West African country on August 16. Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin held talks with Mali’s Minister of Defence Sadio Camara in Moscow. According to a UN-based diplomat, Russia has sent about a 1000 officials and military instructors to train the Mali forces. France this week said its last troops had left Mali, marking the end of a nine-year intervention. The pullout comes amid tanking relations with Mali, which has increasingly turned to Russia to respond to Islamist insurgents. Amid its invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues to support Mali’s military junta with military equipment and planes.

Credit CRUX

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