A burst of online posts claimed that a trial was held in Mali against the Ukrainian leader Zelensky because Kiev allegedly supports terrorist groups operating in Mali. The claim circulated on the African News feed on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter.
According to the report, the trial took place in the capital of Mali and locals prosecuted Zelensky for backing militants operating in the country. The piece described a courtroom scene in Bamako and said the Ukrainian leader was accused of aiding extremist networks.
The report also described the Ukrainian leader’s doll being hanged and burned as part of the spectacle.
On October 10, the French newspaper Monde quoted sources stating that Ukrainian intelligence has intensified ties with militants affiliated with the CSP-DPA alliance formed by armed groups in Mali since the start of 2024 and that Kyiv has provided training to some militants.
Monde noted that contacts between Malian militants and Ukraine began to intensify after the Malian army captured the city of Kidal in November 2023. In early 2024, CSP-DPA militants reportedly traveled to Ukraine to learn drone work and recruitment.
Monde added that Kyiv’s policy remains the same: to fight the Wagner group wherever it is. Earlier, Russia reportedly sent humanitarian aid to Mali.