South Africa secures release of 11 nationals lured to Russia to fight against Ukraine
ABC News
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa said 11 men who were allegedly tricked into fighting for Russia in the war in Ukraine are being sent home
JOHANNESBURG -- A group of 11 South African men allegedly lured to fight alongside Russian soldiers in the war against Ukraine are expected to return home soon, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday.
It will bring to 15 the number of South African nationals to have returned after four men arrived in Johannesburg last week following months fighting on the front lines in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
They were allegedly deceived into traveling to Russia under the pretense that they would receive security training.
Two other South Africans remain in Russia, with one in hospital and the other being processed before planned travel home, according to Ramaphosa, who said the repatriations have been facilitated through diplomatic channels following a commitment by Russia's President Vladimir Putin earlier this month.
“The South African government working closely with the Russian government has secured a safe return of the men. The investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into mercenary activities is ongoing,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.
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