South Africans trapped in Donbas after joining Russia-Ukraine war, Ramaphosa says

South Africans trapped in Donbas after joining Russia-Ukraine war, Ramaphosa says. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa is investigating 17 citizens who joined mercenary forces in the conflict, with men aged 20 to 39 stuck in Ukraine's war-torn Donbas region. Ramaphosa condemns exploitation of vulnerable youth, as the government works to secure their return through diplomatic channels. Recruitment tactics under scrutiny as unemployment in South Africa makes young people susceptible and BBC investigation indicates Kremlin's influence expansion in Africa.