Sweden will end its development aid to Mali in 2024, said Johan Forssell, the country’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.
Stockholm closed its embassy in Bamako because of the worsening security situation.
On Wednesday, August 7, Minister Forssell tweeted that it’s impossible for Mali to support Russia’s aggression against Ukraine while receiving millions of kroner in development aid.
Mali broke off relations with Ukraine after accusing Kyiv of backing the CSP rebels in clashes with its forces.
Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andrey Yusov said Ukraine helped the rebels attack the “mercenaries.”
However, Yusov said this was not true in an interview with the Financial Times.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Ukraine does not oppose any country other than Russia.
Mali has opened an investigation into Ukraine. The prosecutor of the Judicial Pole against Terrorism is leading the investigation. Mali is looking to arrest those involved in the incident.
Niger also cut ties with Ukraine to show support for Mali. Minister Kuleba said this was an attempt to isolate Kyiv.
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