Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin have pledged to support efforts to return South Africans believed to be fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, placing the issue at the centre of discussions between the two leaders.
In a statement issued on 10 February 2026, the Presidency confirmed that the matter was discussed during a telephone call between Ramaphosa and Putin, with both countries committing to ongoing engagement to secure the return of South African nationals involved in the conflict.
“President Ramaphosa and President Putin pledged their support to the process of returning South Africans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. In this regard, teams from both sides will continue their engagements towards the finalisation of this process,” the Presidency said.
The call comes amid ongoing concerns about foreign nationals participating in the Russia-Ukraine war, which has drawn international attention since it escalated in 2022.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa also reiterated South Africa’s long-standing position in favour of peaceful conflict resolution and diplomatic engagement.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA DISCUSSES PEACE AND SOUTH AFRICA-RUSSIA COOPERATION WITH PRESIDENT PUTIN
President @CyrilRamaphosa has expressed South Africa’s ongoing support to diplomatic and peaceful efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This is in line with South Africa’s… pic.twitter.com/h3S6HEvcVU
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) February 10, 2026
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed South Africa’s ongoing support to diplomatic and peaceful efforts aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This is in line with South Africa’s long stated position during talks with both sides that all wars end through negotiations,” the Presidency said.
During the conversation, Putin briefed Ramaphosa on developments on the ground in Ukraine and outlined Russia’s stance on pursuing diplomatic solutions.
“In a telephone call held today, 10 February 2026, President Ramaphosa received a briefing from President Vladimir Putin on the situation in Ukraine and on Russia’s commitment to a diplomatic solution,” the statement said.
Beyond the conflict, the two leaders also discussed strengthening bilateral ties, particularly around trade and investment.
“On the bilateral relationship, President Ramaphosa welcomed the engagements with Russia aimed at advancing the development of a mutually beneficial trade and investment framework within the Russia-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership,” the Presidency said.
Ramaphosa and Putin further discussed cooperation in multilateral platforms, including BRICS and the G20, where both countries continue to engage on global economic and political matters.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
