Ukraine will offer Africa support in combating Wagner Group fighters and cyber threats.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that Ukraine is ready to share its experience in combating Russian mercenaries from the "Wagner" group with African nations. The head of state emphasized that Ukraine possesses significant expertise in dealing with this group. He noted that Ukrainian military personnel know how to effectively eliminate "Wagner" fighters and have the necessary skills for this task.

The president made this announcement during the III International Conference Grain from Ukraine. He also stressed that Ukraine is prepared to invest in security on the African continent by providing assistance in various fields. In particular, Zelensky highlighted the security technologies used in Ukraine, such as drones for air and maritime operations, as reported by "Interfax-Ukraine".

"We know who the 'Wagner' fighters are. We know how to fight them. We know how to destroy them. This indicates that we have the relevant experience," he said in response to a question from a journalist from Senegal.

Additionally, Ukraine is ready to offer Africa support in combating misinformation and cyber defense, as Ukraine has been the target of numerous cyberattacks, including on its banking system and communication networks. Zelensky also expressed his belief that it is crucial for African countries to prioritize security and independence over exploiting cheap resources, even if it requires economic sacrifices.

He emphasized that Ukraine is willing to collaborate with Africa in areas such as food security, education, mineral extraction, digitalization, and the implementation of the "Diia" program. According to Zelensky, African countries will face numerous challenges due to Russian influence both on the continent and in the markets.

"When your country begins to collapse, when your children... at that moment, it doesn't matter what the energy price is, what the gasoline price is in your country. Believe us: this is so important before the war, and it is nothing during the war, only if you allow it. This is a value, the value of every nation, every country...", - the President of Ukraine emphasized.

What is known about the fight of Africans against Wagner fighters

In July 2024, in Mali, Tuareg rebels inflicted significant losses on Russian mercenaries from "Wagner", including destroying dozens of militants in a battle near the border with Algeria. Following this, photos emerged from the front featuring the Ukrainian flag against the backdrop of destroyed wheeled and military vehicles of the "Wagner" PMC.

The Russian private military company "Wagner" acknowledged the deaths of its mercenaries in Mali. The "Wagner" group claims that the reason for the defeat inflicted on its forces by the Tuareg rebels was a sandstorm. Allegedly, it allowed the enemy to bring in numerous reinforcements, whereas "Wagner" was winning otherwise. At the same time, British intelligence noted that the "Wagner" group is becoming increasingly fragmented following the death of its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin.

In August, it became known that the Tuareg rebels of the military movement CSP-DPA, who are fighting against the pro-Russian government of Mali and Russian terrorists from the "Wagner" terrorist group, are receiving assistance from Ukraine. In particular, Ukrainian special services are training the Tuaregs to operate drones. CSP-DPA is also receiving some other forms of assistance from Ukraine. However, the Tuareg themselves denied the information that they are receiving help from Ukraine.

Subsequently, the transitional government of the Republic of Mali decided to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine. They accused Kyiv of supporting the actions of the Tuareg rebels, who recently defeated a column of Malian military and Russian mercenaries from the "Wagner" PMC. Furthermore, the statement from the transitional government of Mali included standard Kremlin narratives about an alleged "Nazi regime" in Ukraine.