 "A man walks on a muddy road in the Donbas region. The future of Ukraine’s industrial heartland in the east of the country is uncertain, after Vladimir Putin reportedly demanded it be handed to Russia. File image/AFP")
South Africa will be conducting an investigation into how its citizens ended up as mercenaries in the Russia-Ukraine war after the men sent a distress call, urging the government to bring them back home.
The South African government said in a statement that as many as 17 men were lured into fighting in the war on the pretext of lucrative jobs. This phenomenon is not new to India, as several men continue to remain trapped in Ukraine as a result of being duped by Russian agents.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into these seemingly mercenary activities,” said the statement.
The presidency statement did not say which side the men were fighting on, and presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwengya said: “We don’t know yet, hence the investigation”.
South Africa caught in the middle of war
The 17 men are said to be trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas region, which is under Russian military control. A spokesperson for Ukraine’s foreign ministry said it was looking into the reports. Russia’s embassy in South Africa did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Under South African law, it is illegal for citizens to provide military assistance to foreign governments or participate in foreign armies unless authorised by South Africa.
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View AllSouth Africa has maintained itself as a neutral partner in the Russia-Ukraine war and has maintained warm relations with Russia as a fellow member of the BRICS group of emerging economies. Ramaphosa has met leaders of both countries.
What is the case of Indian men?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said it has raised the issue of Indian nationals being recruited into the Russian army and urged Moscow to stop the practice amid the ongoing war with Ukraine.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has repeatedly warned citizens about the “risks and dangers” of joining the Russian military.
“We have seen reports of Indian nationals being recruited recently into the Russian army. The government has, on several occasions over the past year, cautioned Indian citizens against taking this course of action,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in bilateral meetings.
Russia has long been accused of using unfair practices to lure people from other nations to fight its war against Ukraine. Many Chinese and North Korean nationals have reportedly been captured by Ukrainian forces. Kyiv has also claimed that an Indian fighting for Russia was among those held captive.
With inputs from agencies