Ukraine denies Kremlin claims of supporting Congo rebels

Accusations first surfaced in Bujumbura. Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov alleged that Ukraine was backing the M23 rebel group, a movement controlling vast areas in North and South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Kiev responded swiftly, with Ukrainian diplomacy hitting back hard. Officials dismissed the claims as a deliberate disinformation campaign aimed at muddying diplomatic waters in the Great Lakes region. « Lavrov’s assertions that Ukraine supports the M23 in eastern DRC are baseless Kremlin fabrications. We categorically reject and refute these accusations. The statement is unequivocal and closes the door to any further speculation. »

Moscow accused of projecting its own tactics

Ukraine didn’t stop at denial. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs turned the tables, highlighting Russia’s own involvement in African conflicts while positioning itself as an external actor. Officials emphasized that Moscow’s strategy mirrors its actions in other global hotspots.

Ukraine does not interfere in African conflicts. Russia, however, does—arming rebel groups in violation of sanctions, fueling instability, and recruiting African nationals to fight in its war against Ukraine. The double standard is glaring.

Analyst Heorhii Tykhyi argued that this tactic is nothing new. He described it as a diversionary move to distract from Moscow’s own destabilizing actions in the region. « Accusing others of what Russia itself does is a well-worn playbook. The goal is clear: undermine U.S.-led mediation efforts in the Great Lakes and shift focus away from Russia’s destructive role, which obstructs peace. » In doing so, Ukraine linked the Congo crisis to the broader European conflict.

These developments unfold against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions. As foreign powers increasingly weigh in on the DRC crisis, the exchange of accusations reflects a growing struggle to shape narratives on responsibility and external influence in the conflict. By rejecting Moscow’s claims, Kiev aims to safeguard its reputation among African and international partners, asserting its non-involvement in DRC’s armed clashes. Russia, meanwhile, continues to lash out at Ukraine, deepening a diplomatic rivalry that now extends far beyond the Russia-Ukraine war.

DRC advocates for diplomacy at the UN

Amid the war of words, the DRC made its stance clear. As this month’s President of the UN Security Council, Kinshasa condemned the escalation in Ukraine. During a session chaired by Zenon Mukongo Ngay on July 9, Congolese officials highlighted the ongoing hostilities and their devastating humanitarian toll.

The government reiterated that there can be no military solution to the conflict. In a region scarred by its own wars, the DRC urged all parties to uphold international law, protect civilians, and prioritize de-escalation, dialogue, mediation, and diplomacy. It also reaffirmed its support for credible peace initiatives that align with the UN Charter, advocating for a just, lasting, and lawful resolution.

Peace processes stall in a fragile region

This diplomatic tug-of-war coincides with a precarious regional climate. One year after its ministerial signing, the Washington Agreement has failed to yield meaningful progress. Kinshasa and Kigali continue to interpret its terms differently, blocking its implementation.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian and security crisis in eastern DRC worsens. Repeated evaluation meetings have done little to curb violence, particularly in areas under M23 control.