East DRC conflict: Russia blames Ukraine for backing M23 rebels

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces escalating accusations as Russia accuses Ukraine of providing military support to the M23 rebel group operating in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. This serious allegation was made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a joint press conference with Burundi’s Foreign Minister Édouard Bizimana in Bujumbura on July 10, 2026.

The Russian diplomat condemned what he described as blatant foreign interference in African affairs, particularly in the DRC. According to Lavrov, Kinshasa, with Burundi’s support, is confronting an aggression led by the M23, which receives backing from foreign elements including Ukrainian operatives.

« We are witnessing clear attempts at interference in African affairs, especially in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The legitimate authorities of this country, with Burundi’s support, are today facing aggression by the so-called M23 group, which is backed by foreign actors, including Ukrainians. We are aware of this, and our Burundian friends are equally informed, » declared Sergey Lavrov.

Lavrov asserted that Ukraine’s involvement aims to bolster forces opposing legitimate governments across Africa to weaken countries aligned with Moscow and strengthen Kyiv’s influence on the continent.

« Ukrainians are participating in too many African conflicts. They seek to support forces opposing legitimate governments solely to position themselves as a key player on the continent and create difficulties for Russia-friendly countries, » he emphasized.

The accusations follow growing concerns over the increasing use of armed drones in the conflict, which has raised international alarm. Russia has particularly highlighted the humanitarian and security consequences of drone warfare in eastern DRC.

Addressing the United Nations Security Council during a session on the security situation in eastern DRC, Russia’s acting UN representative Anna Evstigneeva expressed Moscow’s concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian crisis and the reported involvement of foreign mercenaries in the conflict.

Evstigneeva specifically referenced a drone strike in Goma on March 11 that killed a UNICEF staff member and raised alarms about foreign mercenaries with military experience in Ukraine being recruited as drone operators or instructors in eastern DRC.

« We are also concerned about reports of foreign mercenaries, some of whom have gained experience on the Ukrainian battlefield and are now employed as instructors or drone operators, » she stated during her address on June 26, 2026.

The allegations come amid stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Despite the Washington Agreement and ongoing dialogue under Qatari mediation in Doha, positions between Kinshasa and Kigali remain far apart. The Montreux meeting in Switzerland failed to produce the expected breakthroughs, leaving the peace process in limbo.

Calls for compliance with peace commitments continue at national, regional, and international levels, yet these appeals have so far failed to translate into tangible progress. Each party continues to interpret agreements differently, perpetuating deadlocks and delaying their effective implementation.

Header image: M23 rebels stationed in Goma, a city under their control in eastern DRC.