South African president thanks Putin after 17 men 'lured' to Russian front lines begin returning home

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin after 17 men who the government said were "lured" to Russian front lines in its war against Ukraine began returning home.

In a statement Tuesday, Ramaphosa's office said the South African government, working closely with Russian authorities, secured the repatriation of the men after receiving distress calls requesting assistance. 

The group, ranging in age from 20 to 39, was allegedly recruited into "mercenary activities."

The circumstances surrounding their recruitment remain under investigation.

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Ramaphosa expressed gratitude to Putin for responding positively to his request for help during a Feb. 10 phone call between the two leaders.

Four of the men have already returned to South Africa, while 11 are expected to arrive soon. 

Two remain in Russia - one receiving treatment at a hospital in Moscow and another being processed before finalizing travel arrangements.

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South Africa's embassy in Moscow is continuing to monitor the hospitalized individual until he is cleared to travel, according to Ramaphosa's office.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, said in November that Kyiv estimates at least 1,436 foreign nationals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia, warning the true number may be higher.

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Sybiha said Russia uses a range of tactics to recruit foreigners, including financial incentives, deception and coercion.

"Signing a contract is equivalent to signing a death sentence," he wrote on X. "Foreign citizens in the Russian army have a sad fate. Most of them are immediately sent to the so-called 'meat assaults,' where they are quickly killed."