The allegations surfaced in Bujumbura, where Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alleged that Ukraine was backing the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The movement has seized vast territories in North and South Kivu, escalating tensions in the eastern region.
Ukraine fires back with a sharp denial
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry wasted no time in rejecting the accusations, calling them a deliberate disinformation campaign orchestrated by the Kremlin. “Lavrov’s claims that Ukraine supports the M23 in eastern DRC are baseless and part of a smear tactic to destabilize diplomatic efforts in the Great Lakes region. We firmly reject these allegations without reservation.”
Russia accused of mirroring its own tactics
Instead of accepting the accusations, Ukraine shifted the blame to Moscow, accusing Russia of interfering in African conflicts by arming militant groups, violating sanctions, and recruiting fighters from African states to join its war in Ukraine. Heorhii Tykhyi, a key figure in Ukraine’s diplomatic response, emphasized that this strategy is a familiar tactic used by Russia to distract from its own destabilizing actions.
“Accusing others of what Moscow itself is guilty of is nothing new. The Kremlin’s goal is clear: to undermine mediation efforts—particularly those led by the United States—and to deflect attention from its destructive role in prolonging conflicts like the one in eastern DRC.”
Ukraine has framed the Congolese conflict within the broader context of its war in Europe, arguing that Russia’s actions in Africa are an extension of its aggressive foreign policy.
Congo champions diplomacy at the UN
Amid the growing diplomatic clash, the Democratic Republic of the Congo took a stand at the United Nations. As the Security Council’s rotating president, Kinshasa condemned the escalation in Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis. During a session presided over by Zenon Mukongo Ngay, the Congolese government reiterated that military solutions only deepen suffering, calling for strict adherence to international law, civilian protection, and a return to dialogue and mediation.
Kinshasa also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting credible peace initiatives that align with the UN Charter, emphasizing the need for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
Peace efforts stall as violence persists
This diplomatic tug-of-war unfolds against a backdrop of deep regional instability. The Washington Agreement, signed a year ago, remains stalled due to conflicting interpretations by Kinshasa and Kigali, further hindering progress. Meanwhile, the humanitarian and security situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate, with violence—particularly in M23-controlled zones—showing no signs of abating.
