South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has expressed gratitude to Russian leader Vladimir Putin after four South African men who were allegedly deceived into fighting for Russia in Ukraine safely returned home.
SUNTV Global Channel gathered that the men were among 17 South Africans who had earlier sent distress calls to authorities, saying they were stranded on the front lines in Ukraine’s Donbas region after being tricked into joining mercenary units.
In an official statement on Tuesday, the South African Presidency confirmed that diplomatic engagement between Pretoria and Moscow helped secure their release.
According to the statement, the four returnees arrived last week, while 11 others are expected back soon. Two remain in Russia — one receiving medical treatment in a Moscow hospital and another still undergoing travel processing.
Ramaphosa revealed that Putin had personally pledged assistance during a telephone conversation on February 10, 2026, which paved the way for the evacuation effort.
Authorities also confirmed that investigations are ongoing into local recruiters suspected of luring the young men abroad with false promises of lucrative employment.
South African law strictly prohibits citizens from serving in foreign armed forces without government approval.
Growing Concern Over African Recruits
The development comes amid increasing reports that Africans are being targeted for recruitment into the Russia–Ukraine war, which began following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
European Union officials have warned that the trend is expanding. The EU Ambassador to Nigeria recently described the practice as “extremely crude,” alleging that many Africans are enticed with job offers but end up deployed to combat zones.
Similar cases have been recorded across the continent, including in Kenya and Nigeria, where victims reportedly traveled on tourist or work promises only to find themselves forced into military training camps.
In South Africa, the issue has also sparked political controversy after a daughter of former president Jacob Zuma resigned from parliament following allegations linking her to recruitment networks — claims still under investigation.
Security analysts say the situation highlights a wider pattern of exploitation targeting unemployed youth across Africa, many of whom are desperate for overseas opportunities.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments as more of the stranded South Africans prepare to return home.
