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Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to assist in efforts to bring home 17 South African men caught in the Russia-Ukraine war. (Russian Embassy in South Africa/X)
CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

Ramaphosa secures Putin’s support for the return of 17 South Africans caught in Russia-Ukraine war

The men found themselves trapped in the conflict after being allegedly lured to Russia by uMkhonto weSizwe’s Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla

  • Mandisa Makgakga
2 min read
Security forces inspect at the site after a Russian missile attack as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on July 19, 2022. (FILE PHOTO by Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
ACADEMI

Russia’s war on Ukraine could turn private

The expanding use of private military and security companies in recent years suggests that they may take a leading role as the Ukraine conflict develops

  • John P Ruehl
6 min read
Despite its status as the world’s largest humanitarian disaster, the international community has largely failed to respond in a meaningful way to the carnage. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
CHINA

Understanding the war in Ukraine

The US is more concerned with inflicting pain on the Russians than helping the Ukrainians, according to a Kyiv-based journalist

  • Vijay Prashad
8 min read