South Africa rescues citizens allegedly lured into fighting Ukraine war from Russia
Russian military personnel (Photo: Getty Images)
Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, reported the return to their homeland of 17 out of 20 South African citizens who were deceived into joining the ranks of the Russian army. The fate of the remaining mercenaries and citizens from Botswana remains unknown, according to Bloomberg.
Read also: Thousand cuts tactic: How Russia is using World War II experience against Ukraine
Release of mercenaries
According to Ramaphosa, four South Africans returned home last week, 11 are expected to arrive soon, one is undergoing treatment, and another is preparing to travel.
Families claim that their relatives were deceived into joining the Russian army by being promised training to work as security guards for politicians, but instead they were forced to participate in combat operations on the territory of Ukraine.
Legal aspect of the issue
In South Africa, participation in foreign armies’ combat operations — or even assisting foreign military forces — has been considered a crime since 1998.
The president did not disclose what measures would be taken regarding the returned mercenaries, noting that only those involved in recruitment into the Russian army remain under investigation.
Role of the former president’s daughter
Families of the mercenaries claim they were recruited by Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of the former president of South Africa, and a former supporter of the Russian leader. She has been under investigation since November 2025.
She reportedly convinced compatriots that the trip to Russia was connected to training courses for security guards working for her father’s party.
Diplomatic initiative
On February 10, Cyril Ramaphosa discussed the return of his citizens with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and according to media reports, the Russian side allegedly responded positively to the request.
Tammy Bruce, US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, called on countries to stop any support for Russia that helps continue military operations against Ukraine.
Ukraine is actively expanding the use of interceptor drones to counter Russian strike drones; currently, they are able to neutralize about one in three enemy drones.
