Estonian soldiers will leave Mali if it cooperates with Vagner mercenaries

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“I believe that if an agreement is reached on cooperation with Vagner and the company’s private army starts operating in Mali, the Estonian contingent will leave,” he told Vikerraadio radio station.

About one hundred Estonian soldiers are involved in the three peacekeeping missions in Mali, 95 of them France in the international military operation “Barhan” led by

According to French sources this month, Mali’s military junta is negotiating with Vagner to hire 1,000 Russian mercenaries to train its soldiers and guard high-ranking officials in response to the possibility that France may reduce its military contingent in the country.

Mali has seen two coups in the last year, with Islamist insurgents operating in the country.

As Laet put it, France is thought to be NATO the state will not consider it possible to cooperate with Vagner, but it will be decided by Paris, while Estonia can not work with Russian mercenaries.

“Whether the French can work side by side with the Russian security company, it is up to the French to decide, but the Estonians cannot do it, because our biggest threats are still to the east – to Russia,” the Estonian defense minister said.

He recalled that France and its allies had demanded that the current Malian authorities hold democratic elections in the country early next year and that a civilian government take power.

According to Laet, one can understand the current leadership of Mali, which, without wanting to lose power, has turned its attention to Russia.

“The Russians are, of course, interested in getting an approach African mineral resources, while it is in Mali ‘s interest to use its relations with the Russians to put pressure on the international community, France and other allies, trying to ensure that they do not demand democratic elections and calm down a bit, “he said.

During his visit to Mali this week, French Defense Minister Floran Parly warned that the country was in danger of international isolation if it hired Vagner mercenaries.

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