Eastern DRC conflict: Russia accuses Ukraine of backing M23 rebels
Moscow points finger at Kiev amid escalating tensions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) finds itself at the center of a fresh diplomatic storm as Russia accuses Ukraine of providing military support to the M23 rebel group operating in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. This explosive claim was made by Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, during an official visit to Bujumbura on July 10, 2026.
Addressing reporters alongside his Burundian counterpart Édouard Bizimana, Lavrov alleged that foreign interference—specifically from Ukraine—was exacerbating the security crisis in eastern DRC. The Russian diplomat framed this as part of a broader strategy to destabilize African governments perceived as allies of Moscow.
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