Ukraine-Russia war spills into Africa as Ukrainian drone experts train forces in Mali, turning Kyiv’s battlefield experience into a new challenge for Moscow’s growing influence

The Ukrainian-Russian conflict is now beginning to spread further beyond the confines of the European battlefield, with Ukrainian military experts utilizing their experience with drones in assisting forces that are struggling against Russian influence in Africa and the Middle East.

According to a CNN article, Ukrainian personnel have been deployed in Mali, Libya, and Sudan, while other Ukrainian teams have trained Middle Eastern forces how to defend against Iran-manufactured Shahed drones that Russia has been utilizing in Ukraine.

In return for sharing its expertise, Kyiv also secured security deals and pledges of ammunition.

Ukraine carries the battle to Africa

Some 15 Ukrainian experts are reported to have been deployed in northern Mali alongside Azawad Liberation Front, a separatist group led by the Tuaregs who oppose both the Russian-backed factions and the Mali military regime.

The Ukrainians are not characterized as combatants. On the contrary, they provide drone training, assist and coordinate from afar. According to the CNN report, one Ukrainian expert says he receives footage from drones via the Internet and coordinates the activities of locals by radio.

This cooperation represents part of a larger contest for influence in Mali, where the Russians have increased their military deployment in the wake of the withdrawal of France and other Western powers. Moscow's Wagner Group, a private military company, was replaced by the Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps after the death of Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023.

Kidal became an important test case

The alleged role of Ukraine in Mali first came into play in 2024 when the Tuareg rebels carried out an ambush on Wagner Group fighters as well as Malian troops near Tinzaouaten.

The situation has been heating up this year as Tuareg rebels and Al-Qaeda affiliates have attacked Russian-supported forces and taken control of Kidal, an important northern city in Mali. According to CNN, a Ukrainian operator said Ukrainian soldiers were involved in helping the rebels take over the city. Russia had also responded by accusing Ukraine of training the attackers.

The events have been happening at a time of great distress among the civilians. Human Rights Watch reported in June that Islamist groups, Malian forces and allied foreign fighters had all committed serious abuses during renewed fighting.

The growing influence of Russia in Africa

Africa has been a very significant region where Moscow can showcase military and political influence. Russian troops have assisted the military junta in Mali while trying to establish a strategic presence in a resource-rich part of Africa.

In separate reports issued by Human Rights Watch in July, it was stated that the Africa Corps conducted airstrike operations in central Mali, resulting in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children.

Later, in August, Human Rights Watch made an accusation that Africa Corps forces killed nine civilians and destroyed their houses in an operation in Mali. Russia and its supporters have been facing numerous accusations of violations of human rights in Mali, but Russia says that the Africa Corps operates legally at the request of African governments.

Drone warfare becomes Ukraine's foreign-policy tool

Ukraine's overseas deployments are not limited to Africa. CNN reported that Ukrainian military teams were sent to at least five Middle Eastern countries earlier this year to help local forces defend against Iranian-made Shahed drones.

Kyiv appears to view its battlefield experience as a diplomatic asset as well as a military one. A Ukrainian intelligence source told CNN that the country's drone expertise is being turned into a foreign-policy instrument aimed at putting pressure on Russia and challenging Moscow's claim to be a dependable security partner.