Ukrainian Foreign Ministry sees Niger's decision to sever diplomatic relations as wrong

MOSCOW. Aug 8 (Interfax) - Ukraine has taken note of the Nigerien government's decision to sever diplomatic relations between the two countries, but believes that the accusations it has leveled at Kiev "do not withstand any criticism, are groundless and untrue," the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"Ukraine resolutely rejects any accusations of its alleged 'support for international terrorism, violation of the UN Charter and international law'," it said.

Niger decided to sever diplomatic relations with Ukraine "without conducting any investigation of the incident in Mali," it said.

Mali has accused Ukraine of supporting international terrorism and anti-government forces in the northern part of the country.

The Malian government severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine on Monday, and Niger did so on Tuesday.