Ramaphosa Thanks Putin for Release of South Africans Lured to Fight in Ukraine - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 24, 2026
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the return of 17 South Africans who were lured into fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. These individuals were tricked by a mercenary recruitment scheme and found themselves trapped on the front lines in Ukraine's Donbas region. Four have already returned home, while 11 are expected to follow soon, with two still remaining in Russia. Ramaphosa's appreciation highlights the collaborative efforts between the two nations to resolve the situation.
The incident has raised concerns about South Africans being exploited in conflict zones. The men were allegedly recruited under false pretenses of well-paying jobs, as revealed by Kenyan mercenaries who shared their experiences with AFP journalists. Additionally, Jacob Zuma's daughter, a former South African MP, faces allegations of involvement in recruiting these individuals for Russian mercenary groups. Reports suggest the opposition MK party, led by Zuma during his tenure as president, may have played a role in sending young men to Russia for security training.
The case underscores broader ethical and legal issues surrounding foreign nationals being drawn into conflicts without proper authorization. South African law explicitly prohibits citizens from fighting for foreign armies without government approval. The investigation into how these individuals were recruited remains ongoing, with officials probing the circumstances behind their enlistment.
This situation also sheds light on the broader role of mercenaries in modern warfare. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has attracted fighters from around the world, including over 1,400 Africans identified in Russian ranks. Such exploitation not only endangers individual lives but also raises questions about international security and human rights. Ramaphosa's gratitude to Putin marks a rare moment of cooperation between nations amid ongoing conflict, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy in resolving such crises.
The matter highlights the vulnerabilities faced by individuals enticed by false promises, as well as the ethical dilemmas surrounding their recruitment into foreign conflicts. As global interest in international security and human rights grows, cases like these serve as reminders of the complexities involved in protecting citizens from exploitation in
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/24/2026