Eastern DRC: Russia accuses Ukraine of backing M23 rebels
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a new turn with fresh allegations emerging from Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused Ukraine of providing military support to the M23 rebel group, which controls significant territories in North-Kivu and South-Kivu provinces.
Speaking during a joint press conference with Burundi’s Foreign Minister Édouard Bizimana in Bujumbura on July 10, 2026, Lavrov condemned what he described as foreign interference in African affairs, particularly in the DRC. He claimed that Kinshasa, with support from Bujumbura, is facing aggression from the M23, backed by external actors including Ukrainian operatives.
“We are witnessing blatant attempts at foreign interference in African affairs, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The legitimate authorities of this Republic, with the support of Burundi, are today facing aggression from the so-called M23 group, which is backed by foreign representatives, including Ukrainians. We are aware of this. Our Burundian friends are also aware,” Lavrov stated.
According to the Russian diplomat, Ukraine’s involvement aims to destabilize African governments perceived as allies of Moscow while expanding its influence on the continent. Lavrov asserted that Ukrainian operatives are actively participating in multiple African conflicts to undermine legitimate governments and strengthen Ukraine’s geopolitical position.
“Ukrainians are involved in too many conflicts across Africa. They seek to support forces opposed to legitimate governments solely to position themselves as indispensable actors on the continent and create difficulties for countries friendly to Russia,” he emphasized.
The accusations come amid growing international concern over the increasing use of armed drones in the DRC conflict. Russia has previously raised alarms about the humanitarian and security consequences of this trend. Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on June 26, 2026, Russia’s acting UN representative Anna Evstigneeva highlighted the devastating impact of drone strikes, including a March 11 attack in Goma that killed an UNICEF staff member.
Evstigneeva also expressed Moscow’s concerns about the reported involvement of foreign mercenaries in the conflict, some of whom may have gained military experience in Ukraine before being recruited as drone operators or instructors. She warned that such developments risk exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC.
“We are also concerned about reports of foreign mercenaries, some of whom have experience acquired in Ukraine and are now employed as instructors or drone operators,” she told the Security Council.
Despite diplomatic efforts, including the Washington Agreement and ongoing negotiations in Doha and Montreux, the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate. Disagreements between Kinshasa and Kigali over the interpretation of the Washington Agreement have further complicated peace efforts, leaving the civilian population in a precarious state.
The latest accusations from Moscow add another layer of complexity to an already volatile regional landscape, where overlapping conflicts and competing geopolitical interests threaten to prolong the suffering of millions.
