Ukraine fights Russia in Africa too, with several specific goals, CNN reports
Photo: Ukrainian soldiers destroy the enemy using other people's hands (Getty Images)
The war between Ukraine and Russia, which has been going on for more than 12 years, is now being fought even in the deserts of Africa. Another front against Russian invaders had to be opened in northern Mali, according to CNN.
Ukraine-Russia war in Africa
Enemy forces in Africa are being targeted by an elite group of Ukrainian drone operators. Previously, they "hunted" occupiers from dugouts in Ukraine, but now they are doing the same work in the desert - under extremely difficult conditions.
"Temperatures regularly soar above 110 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, then drop sharply overnight. Water is scarce and the dust and sand get everywhere. But at least they are working above ground," the publication reports.
According to journalists, about 15 Ukrainian specialists are actively helping local rebel forces fighting Russian troops.
Russia seeks to strengthen its position on the African continent and demonstrate its status as an influential international player. Moscow is paying particular attention to the Sahel region, which is rich in natural resources while remaining politically unstable and prone to military coups.
The Ukrainian group operating in Mali maintains close ties with the Azawad Liberation Front, which is made up primarily of Tuareg rebels from the north of the country.
According to CNN, Ukrainians are not fighting directly on the front line, but are helping local rebels with training, providing support and taking part in operational planning.
One Ukrainian drone operator stationed in Mali said that he remotely coordinates the work of local fighters. The drone's signal reaches him via the internet, after which he gives the operator instructions over the radio and adjusts his actions.
After the mission is completed, the Ukrainian specialist analyzes the operation with the fighters and reviews specific moments. He does not go to the front line himself because, according to him, this is prohibited by a direct order from his superiors.
Ukraine has specific goals in Africa
A source in Ukrainian intelligence told CNN that one of the goals of the overseas operations is to significantly weaken Russian influence. Kyiv seeks to put pressure on Moscow while also undermining the perception of Russia as a reliable ally for African countries.
"We are turning our experience in the field of (drones) into a foreign policy tool," the source said.
At the same time, Ukraine gains practical benefits from this activity. Working in conditions that differ significantly from the Ukrainian theater of war allows Ukraine to test equipment and improve its skills, as well as demonstrate the effectiveness of Ukrainian methods to international partners.
The African climate creates additional challenges for equipment. Because of the extreme heat and dust, equipment wears out faster, requiring adaptations to cooling and filtration systems, electronics protection, and batteries.
The tactics of warfare also differ. According to the Ukrainian intelligence officer, both sides have to adapt to each other: Ukrainians pass on their experience of conducting drone operations to local fighters, while learning survival and combat skills in the Sahel from them.
Although Ukraine's presence in Mali remains relatively small, it demonstrates Kyiv's growing confidence in its own experience with drone technology.
Ukraine is increasingly using this expertise not only on the battlefield but also as a tool of international influence.
By the way, it was recently reported that Ghana accused Russia of illegally recruiting its citizens.
It also became known that the enemy is recruiting foreigners from more than 120 countries to fight against Ukraine.
