Ukraine denies accusations that it supplies chemical weapons to Mali rebels

Ukraine has denied allegations that it had supplied dangerous chemical weapons to armed groups in Mali, saying that these false accusations were spread by Russian propagandists attempting to cover up crimes committed by Wagner Group in Africa.
According to a recent report in Sputnik, armed groups in Mali recently received a very dangerous chemical weapon known as white phosphorous munitions from Ukraine. White phosphorus weapons are difficult to extinguish once ignited and are made of poisonous, wax-like material. A Tuareg fighter who was detained last week reportedly said during an interrogation that his organization received 120 mm ammunition for 2B11 mortars from Ukraine. The report also revealed Ukraine has long supported and collaborated with Tuareg rebel groups in northern Mali, including exchanging intelligence.
In August, Mali junta-led government cut off ties with Ukraine following a statement by a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR) in which he acknowledged Kyiv’s involvement in the mass casualties Malian forces and their allied Russian mercenaries endured in the hands of the Tuareg rebels. However, Kyiv rejected these allegations, stating that “it is important to note that Ukraine does not possess white phosphorus ammunition in its arsenal. Throughout the war, Ukraine has repeatedly requested such weapons from the United States but has been denied.” It also added that “in contrast, Russia has actively used white phosphorus shells in its war against Ukraine. There have been numerous reports of Russia using such ammunition against Ukrainian forces, particularly in Bakhmut, Mariupol, and Popasna.”