Ukraine has dismissed allegations made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who claimed that Kyiv supports the M23 rebel group operating in eastern the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Ukraine described the accusations as “Russian disinformation” and reiterated that it does not interfere in armed conflicts in Africa.
The diplomatic exchange comes as Russia and Ukraine continue to wage war, which began in early 2022, while both countries seek to strengthen their ties with African nations.
During an official visit to Burundi on Friday, July 10, 2026, Lavrov alleged that Ukraine had become involved in African conflicts, including by supporting M23 in eastern DRC. He made the remarks during talks with Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edouard Bizimana, before meeting Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who currently serves as Chairperson of the African Union.
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Lavrov said “We are witnessing significant foreign interference in African affairs, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the legitimate government, with the support of Burundi, is fighting the criminal activities of M23, which is backed by foreign actors, including Ukrainians. We know this, and so do our friends,” .
He further claimed that Ukrainians were seeking to cooperate with armed groups opposing internationally recognized governments in various African countries in an attempt to project regional political influence, alleging that their primary objective was to destabilize countries maintaining friendly relations with Russia. Lavrov departed Burundi after concluding his visit on Friday.
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Ukraine Dismisses the Claims
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejected Lavrov’s allegations.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, said, “Lavrov’s allegations that Ukraine supports M23 in eastern DRC are baseless Russian disinformation. We categorically reject and condemn these accusations.”
He added, “Ukraine does not interfere in conflicts in Africa. It is Russia that does so by supporting groups subject to international sanctions, fueling instability, and recruiting citizens from African countries to fight in its war against Ukraine.”
Tykhyi further stated that Moscow’s practice of accusing others of actions it is itself engaged in is nothing new.
He argued that Russia’s objective is to distract attention from its own activities.
he said “Russia’s intentions are clear: to undermine the United States’ mediation efforts in the Great Lakes region and divert attention from its own actions that are obstructing the peace process.”
Background to the Conflict in Eastern DRC
The conflict in eastern DRC has persisted for years. M23 says it is fighting to protect the rights and security of Congolese Tutsi, arguing that successive Congolese governments failed to implement peace agreements intended to guarantee their protection and ensure they enjoy their rights as full citizens.
On the other hand, the Congolese government has assembled a coalition of military forces and armed groups to fight M23. In addition to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), the coalition includes Burundian troops deployed under a security agreement between Kinshasa and Gitega, community-based armed groups known as Wazalendo, and the FDLR militia.
The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) was founded by individuals implicated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Rwanda accuses the group of threatening its national security, while Congolese Tutsi communities accuse it of carrying out attacks, killings, and other abuses against them.
