Challenged by rebels, Russia refuses to withdraw from Mali

Russia stated it would maintain its forces in Mali, rejecting the rebels' call for withdrawal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov affirmed that Russia would continue to fight extremism and support the ruling junta. This junta, which came to power in 2020, is facing an offensive from separatist rebels, having recently lost the Malian Defense Minister, General Sadio Camara. The Azawad Liberation Front has taken control of the strategic city of Kidal, forcing Russian paramilitaries to withdraw.