east DRC conflict escalates as Moscow blames Kyiv for backing M23 rebels
- Security
Moscow accuses Ukraine of foreign support to M23 rebels in eastern DRC
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a dramatic turn after Russia accused Ukraine of providing military support to the M23 rebel group. The allegations were made by Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, during a joint press conference with his Burundian counterpart Édouard Bizimana in Bujumbura on 10 July 2026.
Speaking to international media, Lavrov condemned what he described as foreign interference in African affairs, particularly in the DRC, where Kinshasa, supported by Bujumbura, is battling an offensive led by the M23 rebels. According to the Russian diplomat, the conflict is being fueled 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 country, with the support of Burundi, are now facing aggression by the so-called M23 group, which is backed by foreign actors, including Ukrainians. We are fully aware of this, and our Burundian friends are equally informed,” Lavrov stated.
The Russian Foreign Minister went further, asserting that Ukraine’s involvement aims to destabilize governments considered close to Moscow while strengthening its own influence across the continent.
“Ukrainian operatives are increasingly active in African conflicts. Their goal is to support forces opposed to legitimate governments solely to position themselves as key players on the continent and create challenges for countries friendly to Russia,” Lavrov explained.
The escalation of the conflict has been marked by the growing use of armed drones, raising serious concerns among the international community. Russia has been vocal about the humanitarian and security repercussions of this evolving warfare.
Anna Evstigneeva, Russia’s acting representative to the United Nations, highlighted these concerns during a UN Security Council session on the DRC’s security situation, held on 26 June 2026. She referenced the deadly drone strike on 11 March in Goma, which killed an UNICEF staff member, and expressed alarm over reports of foreign mercenaries operating in the region.
“We are deeply troubled by reports of foreign mercenaries, some of whom have gained military experience in Ukraine and are now being recruited as drone operators or instructors,” Evstigneeva told the Security Council.
These accusations come at a time when diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis have yet to yield tangible results. Despite the signing of the Washington Agreement and subsequent mediation efforts, including talks in Doha and Montreux, the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate. Disputes over the agreement’s interpretation between Kinshasa and Kigali have further complicated its implementation.
The deadlock in peace processes—including the stalled Doha and Montreux negotiations—has only intensified the crisis. Regional and international calls for adherence to peace commitments have so far failed to alter the trajectory of the conflict, with each party clinging to its own interpretation of agreements, perpetuating the stalemate.
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