When a cargo plane containing four helicopters and a large consignment of military hardware touched down in the capital of Mali last month, observers raised an eyebrow. The kit was definitely from Russia – but was this the Russian army, or something else? This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. Guest: Roger Boyes, diplomatic editor, The Times. Host: Manveen Rana. Clips: Al Jazeera, BBC, NBC, Euronews, France 24, Reuters.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.