Kiev dismisses Moscow’s claims of supporting M23 rebels in DRC

The seeds of these accusations were sown in Bujumbura. Russia’s top diplomat, Sergey Lavrov, alleged that Ukraine is among the external backers of the AFDL/M23 rebel group, which currently controls vast territories in North and South Kivu, eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kiev’s response was swift and unequivocal. Ukrainian diplomacy hit back hard, both in substance and tone. « The Kremlin’s claims that Ukraine supports the M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are baseless fabrications designed to muddy diplomatic waters in the Great Lakes region. We categorically reject and dismiss these allegations. The statement is absolute—no room for ambiguity or further speculation. »

Moscow accused of mirroring its own tactics

Ukraine isn’t stopping at a flat denial. The foreign ministry is flipping the script, accusing Russia of meddling in African conflicts while positioning itself as an outsider.

Ukraine doesn’t interfere in African conflicts. Russia, however, does—arming rebel factions in breach of sanctions, fueling instability, and even recruiting African nationals to fight in its war against Ukraine. The double standard is glaring.

For analyst Heorhii Tykhyi, this isn’t just a one-off tactic—it’s a well-worn playbook aimed at deflecting attention from real issues by leveling baseless accusations.

It’s no revelation that Moscow accuses others of what it does itself. The goal is transparent: undermine US-led mediation efforts in the Great Lakes and divert focus from Russia’s own destabilizing actions that derail peace efforts. Ukraine is now linking the Congo crisis to the broader war in Europe.

This public rebuttal arrives at a critical juncture. The crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains a magnet for foreign powers, with escalating accusations between global players highlighting the conflict’s deepening geopolitical dimensions. Each side is jockeying to control the narrative on external influence and responsibility.

By rejecting Russia’s claims, Kiev isn’t just defending its reputation—it’s also striving to reassure African and international partners that it plays no part in the armed clashes ravaging the DRC. Meanwhile, Moscow continues to level criticism at Ukraine, as diplomatic rivalry now stretches far beyond the Russia-Ukraine war.

DRC champions diplomatic path at UN despite war of words

Amid the escalating rhetoric, the Democratic Republic of Congo has made its position clear. As this month’s UN Security Council president, Kinshasa condemned the ongoing violence in Ukraine. During the July 9 session chaired by Zénon Mukongo Ngay, Congolese officials highlighted the humanitarian toll of the war and stressed the need to end hostilities.

The government reiterated that military solutions are not viable. In a region scarred by its own conflicts, the DRC is urging all parties to uphold international law, protect civilians, and prioritize de-escalation, dialogue, mediation, and diplomacy.

Kinshasa also reaffirmed its support for any credible initiative that advances a fair, lasting peace aligned with the UN charter.

Peace efforts stall as conflict grinds on

This diplomatic tug-of-war unfolds against a backdrop of regional fragility. A year after the Washington agreement was signed at the ministerial level, its implementation remains stalled—Kinshasa and Kigali offer clashing interpretations, blocking progress.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian and security situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate. Repeated assessment meetings yield little relief as violence persists, particularly in areas under AFDL/M23 control.