South Africans Trapped in Ukraine's Warzone After Joining Mercenary Forces

Sat Dec 20 2025 21:48:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Cyril Ramaphosa reveals 17 South Africans have become trapped in the Donbas region while involved with mercenary groups amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Seventeen South Africans, aged between 20 and 39, are stranded in the conflict-ridden Donbas area after reportedly joining mercenary forces. President Cyril Ramaphosa has initiated an investigation into their recruitment and condemned the exploitation of young, vulnerable individuals. The South African government is seeking to negotiate their return through diplomatic channels.

South Africa's government has disclosed that it has received distress calls from 17 citizens who have joined mercenary forces amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

These individuals are currently trapped within the war-torn Donbas region and range in age from 20 to 39 years old. In response to the situation, President Cyril Ramaphosa has instructed an investigation to uncover the circumstances leading to their recruitment into what appears to be mercenary activities. A government spokesman did not specify which side of the conflict the South Africans were supporting.

In South Africa, engaging in mercenary activities or fighting for a foreign government without authorization is illegal. The 17 men were reportedly lured by the promise of lucrative contracts.

Spokesman Vincent Magwenya further stated that the South African government is utilizing diplomatic channels to facilitate their return home. Among the 17, 16 hail from KwaZulu-Natal while one is from the Eastern Cape.

President Ramaphosa and his administration have voiced strong opposition against the exploitation of young, vulnerable populations by agents associated with foreign military entities. Analysts have pointed out that South Africa's unemployment rate exceeds 30%, especially among youth, rendering them susceptible to recruitment by mercenary forces.

This development coincides with a broader context where African nations have expressed concern over foreign recruitment for military operations, particularly in regions rife with conflict. Earlier this year, South Africa warned its citizens about job offers abroad that could lead to similar recruitment tactics.