Published: Feb 25, 2026, 19:30 IST | Updated: Feb 25, 2026, 19:30 IST
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for facilitating the return of South African men who were reportedly lured into joining the Russia-Ukraine war. The development comes amid growing scrutiny over foreign recruitment networks linked to the conflict. Officials said diplomatic engagement helped secure their repatriation, highlighting concerns over misinformation, recruitment tactics, and the broader human impact of the ongoing war.