COLOMBO(News 1st):Russia will continue to provide Mali with military assistance through state channels, a senior Russian diplomat told foreign media.Mali’s government denied the presence of Russian mercenaries on Saturday(25) However, said that Russian trainers were there as a part of a bilateral agreement between Russia and Mali.Last week 13 European nations inclusive of France and Canada condemned Moscow for facilitating the alleged deployment of private military contractors from the Russian-backed Wagner group to Mali.In October a Russian cargo plane delivered four helicopters, weapons, and ammunition from Russia to Mali, part of what the Malian government deemed as a commercial deal with Moscow.The Wagner Group does not represent the.