east DRC conflict: Russia accuses Ukraine of backing M23 rebels
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) eastern provinces remain under the shadow of escalating conflict as new accusations emerge, this time linking Ukraine to the support of the M23 rebel group. The allegations were 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.
Russia points finger at Ukraine for foreign interference in DRC
According to Lavrov, the M23—now controlling significant territories in North Kivu and South Kivu—receives military backing not only from Rwanda, as previously reported by the UN and DRC authorities, but also from foreign actors including Ukraine. The Russian diplomat condemned what he described as blatant interference in African affairs, particularly in the DRC, where legitimate authorities, supported by Burundi, are facing aggression from the M23.
« We observe such attempts of flagrant 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 an aggression led by the so-called M23 group, which is supported by foreign actors, including Ukrainians. We are aware of this. Our Burundian friends are also aware, » declared Sergey Lavrov.
Lavrov further claimed that Ukraine’s involvement aims to bolster forces opposing legitimate governments across Africa, weakening countries aligned with Moscow while seeking to expand its own influence on the continent. He stated, « Ukrainians are participating in too many conflicts in Africa. They aim to support forces opposed to legitimate governments solely to position themselves as a key player in Africa and create difficulties for countries friendly to Russia. »
drones and mercenaries: escalating concerns over foreign involvement
The Russian Foreign Ministry’s statements come at a time when the use of armed drones in the DRC conflict continues to raise alarm within the international community. Anna Evstigneeva, Russia’s acting representative to the UN, highlighted the growing humanitarian and security crisis during a UN Security Council session on June 26, 2026, dedicated to the situation in eastern DRC.
Evstigneeva specifically referenced the March 11 drone strike in Goma, which resulted in the death of an UNICEF staff member, as well as reports of foreign mercenaries operating in the region. She expressed Moscow’s deep concern over claims that some of these mercenaries may have gained combat experience in Ukraine before being recruited as drone operators or instructors in the DRC.
« We are also concerned about reports of the use of foreign mercenaries, some of whom have experience acquired on the battlefield in Ukraine and are now employed as instructors or drone operators, » she stated.
The accusations follow persistent diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, including the Washington Agreement and negotiations mediated by Qatar in Doha. However, these initiatives have yet to yield tangible results, with Kinshasa and Kigali locked in disputes over the interpretation of key provisions. The Montreux meeting in Switzerland, intended to revitalize peace talks, also failed to produce significant progress, leaving the region’s security and humanitarian situation in a precarious state.
peace efforts stall amid deepening crisis
Despite repeated calls from regional and international actors for adherence to peace agreements, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. The DRC government and the M23, backed by Rwanda, remain far apart on core issues, including disarmament and the integration of rebel fighters into national security forces. The stalled implementation of these agreements has only deepened mistrust and prolonged instability in eastern DRC.
The escalation of foreign involvement, as alleged by Moscow, further complicates efforts to restore peace. As drones and alleged mercenaries from conflict zones in Ukraine enter the fray, the humanitarian toll on civilians grows, with displacement, violence, and economic disruption worsening by the day.
As diplomatic channels struggle to keep pace with the evolving conflict, the people of eastern DRC face an increasingly uncertain future, caught between rebel advances, foreign interference, and a fragile state response.
