Niger will cut diplomatic relations with Ukraine "with immediate effect," Amadou Abdramane, spokesman for the Niger military government, said on national television on August 6.

In a statement, Mr. Abdramane said the move was made because the Kiev government had supported "terrorist organizations" and called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to adopt a resolution on Ukraine's aggression. The statement affirmed that based on the seriousness of the situation, as well as Ukraine's real and presumed involvement in the aggression in Mali, the government of Niger has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine with immediate effect, in order to show solidarity with the government and people of Mali.

Earlier, the transitional government in Mali announced on August 3 that it would sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine, after the Kiev government admitted its involvement in an act of aggression against the country. According to the Malian government spokesman, the decision was made in response to comments by Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov, who admitted Ukraine's involvement in an attack by armed terrorist groups that killed many Malian soldiers and security forces.

Mali's armed forces said they suffered significant casualties during fierce fighting with an alliance of terrorist forces in the country's northeast on July 26.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced the formation of the Sahel States Alliance at the body's first summit in early July. Niger and Mali are both ruled by military governments following recent coups, which continue to cancel defense agreements with France and turn to Russia for military support.

Ukraine's foreign ministry said it "unconditionally adheres to the norms of international law" and regretted the hasty decisions of Mali and Niger.

HUY QUOC