Ukraine troops depart Peacekeeping mission in DR Congo to fight Russian forces

With the war against Russia still on-going, 250 Ukrainian troops with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo have returned home to help fight in the conflict that has dragged on for nine months

When the withdrawal of Ukraine’s aviation unit was announced in March, diplomats warned it could leave the UN mission seriously short of helicopters.

The aviation units are vital in the fight against the various rebel groups based in the thick forests of eastern DR Congo.

Ukraine had already withdrawn its forces from the second UN peacekeeping mission where they had been stationed since the Russian invasion in February.

The UN force’s Brazilian commander, Gen. Marcos da Costa, expressed gratitude for their 10 years of outstanding commitment as the Ukrainians left the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The UN mission in DR Congo, Monusco, is already under pressure in the country.

MONUSCO received harsh criticism for not doing enough to bring about peace in Eastern Congo, where a number of armed groups have been operating for three decades, killing, raping, and plundering the area’s abundant mineral wealth, including gold and diamonds.

Four UN peacekeepers were among the 36 individuals who were killed in July when protesters stormed UN headquarters in eastern DR Congo cities.

The mission is expected to leave Congo but no date has been announced for its operations to end.