Eastern DRC crisis deepens: Russia alleges Ukrainian support for M23 rebels

The already volatile security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has escalated with fresh accusations from Moscow that Kiev is providing military support to the M23 rebel group that controls large territories in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

During a joint press conference with his Burundian counterpart in Bujumbura on July 10, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov declared that external interference is fueling the conflict, naming Ukraine as a key supporter of the rebels operating against the legitimate Congolese government.

Moscow condemns alleged foreign interference in African conflicts

Lavrov emphasized that this alleged Ukrainian involvement is part of a broader strategy to undermine governments in Africa that maintain close ties with Russia. “We observe blatant attempts at interference in African affairs, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The legitimate authorities of this country, with the support of Burundi, are currently facing aggression by the so-called M23 group, which receives backing from foreign actors including Ukrainians,” he stated.

The Russian diplomat warned that Kiev’s actions aim to destabilize regions considered friendly to Moscow while expanding Ukraine’s influence across the continent. “Ukrainians are participating in too many conflicts in Africa. They seek to support forces opposed to legitimate governments solely to position themselves as an indispensable player on the African continent and create difficulties for Russia’s allied countries,” Lavrov explained.

International concerns grow over drone warfare and mercenary involvement

Russian concerns have been echoed at the United Nations Security Council, where Moscow’s acting representative, Anna Evstigneeva, highlighted the growing use of combat drones in eastern DRC as a major factor worsening both the humanitarian and security crises.

Evstigneeva specifically mentioned a March 11 drone strike in Goma that killed a UNICEF staff member. She also expressed Moscow’s alarm over reports of foreign mercenaries with combat experience in Ukraine being recruited as drone operators and instructors in the Congolese conflict.

“We are particularly concerned by reports of foreign mercenaries, some of whom gained experience in Ukraine before being deployed as instructors or drone operators in this conflict,” Evstigneeva told the Security Council on June 26, 2026.

Diplomatic efforts stall as humanitarian crisis intensifies

Despite multiple peace initiatives including the Washington Agreement and negotiations in Doha and Montreux, the security and humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in eastern DRC. Disagreements between Kinshasa and Kigali over the Washington Agreement’s implementation have further complicated diplomatic solutions.

International calls for respecting peace commitments have so far failed to translate into tangible progress. The deadlock persists as each party maintains its own interpretation of the agreements, preventing their effective implementation and perpetuating the conflict.

The escalating tensions come at a time when the region faces one of its most severe humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and urgent needs for food, medical supplies and protection services.