A group of at least 17 South African men say they are trapped near the Donbas frontline after reportedly being recruited for training in Russia, then pushed into the Ukraine war. Families say conditions are harsh and contact is limited.

South African officials have reportedly opened talks aimed at bringing the men home, while police complaints and legal claims allege the recruitment involved people linked to the MK Party and Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, who has denied wrongdoing.