Members of Ukrainian intelligence agencies are organizing training courses for drone operators in Africa, especially in Mali, according to the SVR (Russian Foreign Intelligence Service). Mikhail Maximovich, deputy director of the SVR, made the statement during the SCO Plus Security Dialogue in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on November 5-6. —. According to Maksimovich: - The Military Intelligence Agency of Ukraine (IK/GUR) organizes training for UAV operators in African countries, especially in Mali.
- According to the reports, the training includes the operation of kamikaze drones.
- International terrorist organizations are apparently showing a growing interest in acquiring technology and expertise of Ukrainian UAVs. Separately, on September 12, 2026, CNN published an investigation describing about 15 Ukrainian drone experts reportedly operating in northern Mali. According to the investigation, Ukrainian personnel assisted the Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front through UAV training, operational planning and remote support. The report also revealed that people from Chad, Niger and Burkina Faso traveled to Mali for drone training.