General · 16 December 2025
South Africa seeks return of men fighting in Ukraine
Seventeen South African men aged 20-39 are trapped in Ukraine's Donbas region after allegedly being deceived into joining Russian forces by promises of security training and lucrative employment. The men, now facing combat near frontlines, sent distress calls home pleading for rescue. Jacob Zuma's daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla resigned from parliament amid allegations she helped recruit them, though she denies intentional wrongdoing. The South African government is conducting diplomatic negotiations with Russian authorities to secure their safe return.
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