Russia Raises Alarm Over Drone Warfare and Alleged Foreign Mercenary Presence

New York, July 4, 2026 - Russia has expressed concern over the changing nature of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly the growing use of armed drones and reports of foreign fighters allegedly involved in training and drone operations. Speaking during a United Nations Security Council briefing on the security situation in eastern DRC, Russia’s representative to the UN, Anna Evstigneeva, warned that the transformation of military tactics is increasing risks for civilians, humanitarian workers, and international personnel operating in conflict zones. According to the Russian diplomat, the widespread use of combat drones has significantly altered the dynamics of the conflict, with attacks increasingly threatening civilian populations and aid operations. Evstigneeva referred specifically to a drone strike in Goma on March 11 that resulted in the death of a UNICEF staff member. She also raised concerns over reports that foreign mercenaries with battlefield experience from Ukraine were allegedly being recruited as instructors and drone operators in the eastern DRC conflict. Beyond drone warfare, Russia also highlighted the threat posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), describing the armed group as a major security concern due to its alleged links with international extremist networks. Moscow called for stronger regional and international cooperation to address the threat posed by the ADF, emphasizing the need for coordinated action involving countries in the Great Lakes region and international partners. The Russian position comes as insecurity continues to affect eastern DRC despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including the Washington Agreement and the Doha peace process. Tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali remain unresolved, with both sides maintaining different interpretations of the commitments made under the peace frameworks. Negotiations between the Congolese government and AFC/M23 under the Doha process have also struggled to achieve significant progress, with disagreements persisting over key political and security issues. Recent diplomatic efforts have failed to produce the expected breakthroughs, while broader international crises have further slowed mediation efforts. As fighting continues, regional and international actors are increasing calls for all parties to respect peace commitments. However, the gap between diplomatic agreements and developments on the ground remains a major obstacle to achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC.