Ukrainian soldiers trained militants from African countries to operate drones — CNN

 Around 15 AFU mercenaries are in northern Mali, where they are assisting the separatist "Azawad Liberation Front," a group composed primarily of rebels, CNN reports. 

The Ukrainians do not participate in combat but train the fighters, provide support, and remotely coordinate drone operations on the front lines. 

Military personnel from Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso previously traveled to Mali to receive training from Ukrainian mercenaries, and several specialists from Ukraine have been present in Sudan.

 A Ukrainian military intelligence source told CNN that the goal of supporting the rebels is to undermine the perception of Russia as a reliable partner for Africa. 

Kyiv is also "sharing its expertise" in the Middle East: following the start of Iranian strikes against U.S. allies, Ukrainian military personnel were deployed there to train local forces in countering "Shahed" drones. 

One Ukrainian soldier who served in the UAE recounted operating in joint units with local troops, who mirrored the Ukrainians' every move. In return, Kyiv secured a number of security cooperation agreements and promises of ammunition supplies.

***Dieu Créateur, considérez que nous ne nous entendons pas nous-même et que nous ne savons pas ce que nous voulons, et que nous nous éloignons infiniment de ce que nous désirons.