- Ukrainian forces struck the Slavyansk-EKO oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai on September 13, hitting a key oil refining unit and tank farm.
- Earlier reports indicated a fire broke out at the refinery following a nighttime drone attack.
- About 15 Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate specialists are in northern Mali training local rebels to use drones and helping to plan strikes against Russian forces.
- Ukrainian personnel are also operating in Sudan, and representatives from Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso have traveled to Mali to learn drone operations.
- The Ukrainian team collaborates with the Azawad Liberation Front, primarily composed of Tuareg rebels, and has helped them in battles against the Russian 'African Corps'.
- Ukrainian instructors also trained rebels during the operation to capture Kidal, and the Russian Ministry of Defense later acknowledged Ukrainian and European instructors' involvement.
- Ukrainian intelligence is also training military personnel in Middle Eastern countries, including at least five countries to counter the Shahed.
- Maritime drone operators have been active in Libya since late 2025 targeting the Russian 'shadow fleet' used to circumvent oil sanctions.
- For Kyiv, operations in Africa have not only military but also practical significance.
- Ukrainian officials explain their presence in Africa as an effort to weaken Russian influence while also applying their own experience in modern drone warfare.
- The Main Intelligence Directorate emphasizes that this is a practical partnership driven by a common enemy.
Ukrainian special forces have expanded their operations into Africa, training local rebels in Mali to combat Russian military forces while simultaneously executing a drone strike on the Slavyansk-EKO oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai, Russia.
The strike, conducted on September 13, targeted a key oil refining unit and tank farm, which the Ukrainian Defense Ministry stated fuels Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.12
Ukrainian military personnel, approximately 15 specialists, are currently in northern Mali, where they are training local rebels, including the Azawad Liberation Front, to utilize drones effectively. “The Ukrainians are not fighting directly on the front lines: they conduct training, assist with operational planning, and remotely coordinate the use of drones,” a Ukrainian operator explained.78
This collaboration has reportedly aided local forces in their battles against the Russian “African Corps.” The Ukrainian team also analyzes the actions of the local troops post-mission to refine tactics.
The operations in Africa serve a dual purpose for Kyiv, providing practical military experience in diverse environments, which is crucial for adapting equipment and strategies. “For Kyiv, operations in Africa have not only military but also practical significance,” noted a military analyst.14
In addition to their activities in Mali, Ukrainian intelligence is also training military personnel in Middle Eastern countries to counter threats from Iranian forces, showcasing Ukraine's broader military strategy amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.1112
“About 15 Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate specialists are training Tuareg rebels in northern Mali, helping them in battles against the Russian 'African Corps'. Ukrainian instructors also trained rebels during the capture of Kidal, and maritime drone operators have been active in Libya since late 2025 targeting the Russian 'shadow fleet'.”
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