Newscenter Media News 
The process of returning South Africans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine is underway, as the authorities continue to finalize their engagements.
The issue was raised during a telephone conversation between President Vladimir Putin and President Cyril Ramaphosa, according to a South African government readout.
The leaders talked about the situation in Ukraine, with Ramaphosa expressing support for Russia’s efforts aimed at resolving the conflict through political and diplomatic means.
They also discussed mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economy, and investment within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and South Africa.
Putin and Ramaphosa further exchanged views on current international matters, and emphasized the importance of continuing to align policies, including within BRICS as well as G20.
On Wednesday, the United Kingdom, at a meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), said Russia’s “escalating attacks” on Ukrainian civilians violate international humanitarian law.
In his speech, UK Counsellor Ankur Narayan noted that in January 2026, the United Nations verified that civilian casualties for 2025 (14,656) were up 31% from 2024 and 70% from 2023.
The global body said 63% of all civilian casualties in 2025 occurred in frontline areas, while individuals aged 60 years and above accounted for over 45% of civilians killed there.
Civilian casualties caused by short-range drones increased by 120 per cent in 2025 – with 577 civilians killed and 3,288 injured, the UN reported.
The OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) noted the escalation of the use of short-range loitering munitions, including ‘First Person View’ (FPV) drones by Russian forces.
Narayan quoted the Head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, who said drones appear to have intentionally attacked civilians, medical transport and personnel, “which would amount to war crimes.”
”On 19 November, a missile strike on an apartment building in Ternopil killed 38 civilians,” he said. “Russia is launching an average of over 180 missiles per month, largely targeted at energy and critical infrastructure.”
London reiterated its call on Moscow to cease its attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, comply fully with international law, and honour the commitments “it has freely undertaken within the OSCE.”