Pretoria: South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the return of nationals who were 'lured into' the Russia-Ukraine war, following coordination with Russia to secure their return amid an ongoing recruitment investigation.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ramaphosa expressed his 'heartfelt gratitude' to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who 'responded positively' to his request for assistance. This support was pledged during a February 10 phone call, as reported by a presidential statement and national broadcaster SABC.

Last Wednesday, four South African men, initially enticed for job opportunities in Russia last July but instead found themselves fighting alongside Russian forces, returned to South Africa. The statement indicated that this repatriation was prompted by distressed calls from 17 South African men aged between 20 and 39. While 11 are en route home, two remain in Russia; one is hospitalized in Moscow, and the other is awaiting travel arrangements.

The South African Embassy in Moscow is actively monitoring the hospitalized man until his full recovery, while investigations into the recruitment process for mercenary activities continue.