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Ukrainian Intelligence Reportedly Disrupts Russian Weapons Trafficking Operation in South Africa
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
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Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) has reportedly carried out multiple operations in South Africa aimed at preventing the transfer of weapons to the Russian Federation, according to The Washington Post.
In December 2022, Russian cargo ship Lady R docked at the Simon’s Town naval base in South Africa. Ukrainian intelligence agents observed the vessel unloading cargo and subsequently loading a consignment believed to be weapons.
The operation took place primarily at night and was secured by armed personnel, suggesting a high level of secrecy. During its stay, the vessel’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) was deactivated, making it untraceable.
HUR passed the information to the United States, prompting the US Ambassador to South Africa to issue a formal protest in May 2023. Later that year, Ukrainian operatives also thwarted an attempt to load weaponry onto a Russian cargo aircraft during a visit to South Africa.
In August 2023, Ukrainian intelligence considered targeting the Russian Navy’s training ship Smolny, which was docked in Cape Town, but ultimately decided against a military operation.
According to The Washington Post, Ukrainian operations abroad — including in third-party countries such as South Africa — have occasionally caused diplomatic tension between Ukraine and US. However, the report highlights that such actions demonstrate Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russian logistics and weapons supply routes globally.
HUR has also been active in other African nations. In Mali, Ukrainian intelligence reportedly assisted Tuareg insurgents in conducting an armed operation against the Wagner Group in July 2024.
According to The Times, Ukraine provided the opposition with training, including in the use of drones, and shared intelligence on enemy positions. At least 84 Wagner fighters were reportedly killed during the offensive.
Additionally, Ukrainian operatives allegedly conducted a multi-stage mission in Sudan in 2023, targeting Russian paramilitary transport routes and allied local forces. The operation began with intelligence gathering, followed by sabotage actions aimed at disabling vehicles used by Russian forces and their affiliates.
Earlier, the Wagner Group announced its withdrawal from Mali after more than three years of operations, claiming its mission was complete. The exit follows heavy losses in clashes with Tuareg insurgents, allegedly supported by Ukrainian intelligence.
