Russians left the Malian junta without support during an ambush in Mali - GUR

In early July 2026, the Russia-controlled "African Corps" suffered losses in Mali after an ambush by rebels. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate, during the battle, Russian troops retreated, leaving the Malian junta forces without support. This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, as conveyed by UNN.

Details

According to the GUR, the ambush occurred in early July near the settlement of Tabrichat in the Gao region of northeastern Mali. Local rebel groups set up an ambush for the Russians and the forces of the local junta.

In the heat of the attack, when the column began to suffer serious losses in armored vehicles and personnel from rebel fire, the Russians retreated, leaving the Malian junta soldiers to their fate. The Muscovites provided no ground or air support to their "allies," although the "African Corps" is armed with Orion-type drones, Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters

As a result, according to preliminary data, the rebels killed at least 60 Malian servicemen in the battle and captured at least 30. Dozens more were wounded.

The episode once again demonstrated that Russia uses the Malian junta's soldiers as "cannon fodder" to achieve its own goals in Mali. The aggressor state follows this approach also during its criminal war against Ukraine, sending foreign mercenaries to their deaths in "meat assaults." The leaders of the "African Corps" in Mali behave like slave owners — the soldiers of the local regime's army serve the Russians as servants: they do all the menial work, work as loaders, clean up after the Muscovites in the barracks

Furthermore, according to preliminary information, among the command of the Malian junta troops, the Russians are forming corruption networks — in particular, they sell weapons, mostly small arms, which were previously supplied as part of so-called "military aid"

Russia's only goal in Mali is to establish control over the country's natural resources, primarily gold and uranium deposits, as well as to expand a foothold for further expansion on the African continent

Recall

Islamist militants and separatists set up an ambush on a military convoy in Mali, which, according to their data, included Russian military personnel. Dozens of soldiers were killed or captured, and the Malian army confirmed the attack.