Russians released from captivity in Mali accused France and Ukraine of supporting terrorists
Quick Look
- Two Russian citizens, Alexander Efremov and Vasily Nagalev, released after 755 days of captivity in Mali, said that France and Ukraine were behind their captors, providing training and operational support to the militants.
- They were kept chained in the Sahara desert with limited access to water and food, being captured in July 2024 during the battles of Tinzauaten.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The two Russian citizens were captured in July 2024 during the fighting at Tinzaouaten in Mali and were held in isolation in the Sahara Desert for 755 days until their release on August 25.
Russians Alexander Efremov and Vasily Nagalev, released from captivity in Mali, said that France and Ukraine were behind the militants holding them.
Nagalev believes that those who do not support Russia are also behind the terrorists.
Earlier, CNN reported that Ukraine sent its military to African countries to train militants.
Ukrainians do not take part in hostilities, but provide operational support and training to militants. In particular, Tuareg rebels used them to attack the large city of Kidal. The publication’s source also reported that militants from Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso came for consultations with Ukrainian instructors.
The men spent 755 days chained in the desert
The men said that for 755 days they were kept chained in the Sahara, given 1.5 liters of water per day for two. Then they began to give more water, but its quality deteriorated.
The hardest thing was to survive the heat and the snakes living in the desert, Nagalev shared.
As the man added, they only had pasta for food. According to him, days were counted by the sun and stars.
Russian citizens were captured in July 2024
The fact that two Russians who spent 755 days in captivity of terrorists were released in Mali became known on August 25. Russian citizens were captured in July 2024 during the battles of Tinzauaten and were cut off from the outside world all this time.
Alexander noted that in reality escape was impossible - the Sahara Desert was all around.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Russia will demand official explanations from France and Ukraine over accusations of supporting terrorists
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Who exactly held the Russians captive?
- What kind of evidence do those released have about the involvement of France and Ukraine?
- Were there any negotiations for their release and who was involved?
