Four have already arrived in the country, 11 will join them soon while two others will remain in the Russian Hospital where they are being treated.

Ramaphosa welcomed the return of the South African men who were lured into the battle lines between Russia and Ukraine by South African elements that remain under investigation.

The South African government working closely with the Russian government has secured a safe return of the men. This followed receipt of distressed calls for assistance to return home from seventeen (17) South African men between the ages of 20-39 years.,” he said.

Ramaphosa expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Putin who responded positively to his call to support the process of returning the men home.

“Mr Putin had pledged his support during a telephone call with President Ramaphosa held on the 10th of February 2026. Out of the seventeen men, four are already back in the country, while eleven will be on their way home soon. Two remain in Russia with one in a hospital in Moscow, while the other one is being processed before finalising his travel arrangements.

“The South African embassy in Moscow will continue to monitor the individual that is in hospital until he has fully recovered to travel. The investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into mercenary activities is ongoing,” he said.

The 17 men were lured in August last year where they were promised a two year learnership after completing their learnership programme.

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During the event, which lasted more than four hours, Putin was asked whether Russia could launch further military campaigns similar to its war in Ukraine. He insisted that future conflicts could be avoided if Western governments respected Russia’s security interests and stopped what he sees as deception, especially regarding NATO’s expansion eastward. He repeated long-standing accusations that the West failed to honor past assurances given after the Cold War.

The session combined questions from journalists and ordinary Russians, touching on everything from rising living costs and internet outages to foreign policy and national identity. While the event was tightly managed, some critical public comments still appeared, reflecting frustration over inflation, poor services, and economic pressure.

Putin acknowledged economic challenges at home, including rising prices and tax increases, but sought to project stability by pointing to decisions such as lower interest rates. Throughout the discussion, the war in Ukraine remained a constant backdrop. Putin again said he was open to ending the conflict peacefully but showed little willingness to compromise, repeating demands that Ukraine abandon its NATO ambitions and withdraw from territories Russia claims.

He also criticized Ukraine’s leadership and accused Western nations of fueling the conflict, arguing that Russia is fighting not just Ukraine, but what he described as a broader Western campaign against Moscow. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Putin insisted that responsibility for any stalled peace talks lies with Kyiv and its European allies.

As the broadcast drew to a close, the tone briefly softened with lighter questions about life, values, and love. Putin surprised some viewers by saying he believes in love at first sight — and hinted that he himself is in love — before ending the marathon appearance that once again blended defiance abroad with reassurance at home.

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In a joint statement, G7 energy ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States said Russia’s actions are causing severe “social, environmental, and economic consequences” for Ukrainian civilians.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko accused Moscow of trying to “plunge Ukraine into darkness” by deliberately hitting power plants, substations, and gas facilities. The recent attacks have killed at least seven people and left parts of the country without electricity, water, or heating.

Kyiv’s foreign ministry said the strikes on substations supplying power to nuclear plants pose a direct threat to global safety. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that three Ukrainian nuclear power plants were forced to reduce output following the attacks, warning that the risk to nuclear safety “remains very real.”

Meanwhile, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant — Europe’s largest — continues to rely on external power to maintain cooling systems after repeated damage to its power lines. Fighting around the facility remains a major concern.

Moscow has denied targeting civilians, claiming its strikes are in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian infrastructure. However, Ukraine and its allies say the continued assaults on energy sites are part of a deliberate campaign to break civilian morale as winter approaches.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who hosted the summit in London, said the coalition aimed to choke off funding for Russia’s war machine. The UK and US have already imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, while the European Union is targeting Moscow’s liquefied natural gas exports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also present at the summit, emphasized that continued pressure on Russia was the only path to stopping the fighting. However, there were no announcements regarding long-range missile deliveries to Ukraine, despite Zelensky’s repeated calls for such weapons to strengthen Ukraine’s defence.

During recent talks in Washington, US President Donald Trump made it clear that he was not prepared to supply Tomahawk missiles. In response, President Putin warned that any attack on Russian territory using such weapons would provoke an overwhelming reaction.

Following the London meeting, Starmer noted that Putin had shown no real interest in peace, and Ukraine’s allies had agreed on a clear plan to continue supporting the country through the year. This includes targeting Russia’s sovereign assets to help fund Ukraine’s defence, although specific details were not provided.

EU leaders also agreed to back Ukraine financially over the next two years but stopped short of approving the use of frozen Russian assets valued at €140 billion. Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, expressed hope that a decision on the issue would be made by Christmas Eve.

The coalition further promised to reinforce Ukraine’s air defences amid persistent Russian air assaults on civilian areas and energy infrastructure. Zelensky warned that Moscow was attempting to weaponize the winter cold to break the Ukrainian people’s spirit.

Despite the pledges, many Ukrainians remain focused on daily survival challenges, including power outages, heating shortages, and limited access to water caused by Russian attacks. Residents in cities such as Odesa and Kyiv described worsening living conditions as guided bomb strikes and blackouts continue to affect their lives.

The London summit also discussed further aid for Ukraine’s energy sector, though no specific commitments were announced. Leaders including Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and French President Emmanuel Macron participated in the discussions.

While Western allies have expressed support for Trump’s proposal to freeze fighting along the front lines to allow peace talks, Russia has rejected the idea, demanding terms Ukraine views as surrender.

Earlier in the day, President Zelensky met King Charles at Windsor, marking their third meeting this year.

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Speaking in Brussels as EU leaders gathered for a high-level summit, Zelensky expressed optimism that the bloc would make a “positive decision” on using roughly €140 billion currently held in a Belgian financial clearing house. The move would add to a series of sanctions already imposed on Moscow, including fresh restrictions targeting Russia’s oil revenues.

The initiative follows the United States’ latest sanctions against Russian oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil, marking the first time President Donald Trump has directly sanctioned Moscow. Trump also confirmed that a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest had been canceled indefinitely, citing frustration over the lack of progress in talks.

In response to the U.S. actions, Putin warned that the sanctions would have “certain consequences,” though he downplayed their potential impact on Russia’s economy. Oil remains one of the country’s biggest sources of income, and Ukraine continues to seek ways to weaken that lifeline, including requests for long-range missile systems.

European officials, meanwhile, are discussing how to make the frozen Russian funds available to Ukraine as a “reparations loan.” However, the plan faces legal challenges, especially in Belgium, where authorities are concerned about potential liabilities if Russia contests the move.

EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the complications but insisted the principle was clear: “Russia is responsible for the destruction in Ukraine and must pay for it.” Moscow has condemned the idea, warning that any attempt to seize its assets would provoke a “painful response.”

The EU’s newest sanctions also targeted three Chinese companies accused of helping Russia’s oil trade. Kallas said the measures were meant to deprive Russia of the resources to continue its war, adding that the message from the EU is simple — “Russia cannot outlast us.”

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The announcement comes ahead of a meeting between NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and President Donald Trump at the White House, where discussions are expected to focus on Trump’s proposed “vision of peace” for Ukraine. Rutte earlier expressed confidence that Trump is the one capable of resolving the ongoing crisis.

The escalation follows a deadly night in Ukraine, where at least seven people, including two children, were killed in Russian missile and drone attacks. The strikes occurred shortly after reports emerged that a planned meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest had been postponed.

Meanwhile, US lawmakers are awaiting approval to vote on a bill that would impose stricter sanctions on Russia and penalize countries that continue purchasing its oil.

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The visit comes just a day after Trump’s phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which both leaders agreed to meet soon in Hungary. Trump described the conversation as “very productive” and said discussions would continue between US and Russian officials next week.

Zelensky said Moscow’s sudden interest in dialogue showed how seriously it takes the possibility of Ukraine receiving long-range missiles. While Trump initially signaled he was considering the request, he later said the US could not afford to “deplete” its missile stockpile.

The developments add complexity to Zelensky’s trip, as Trump attempts to maintain a delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and pursuing peace talks with Russia.

Meanwhile, Russia carried out one of its largest attacks of the year on Ukraine just hours before the Trump-Putin call, launching dozens of missiles and drones. Ukrainian officials said the strikes prove that Moscow is still focused on aggression, not peace.

As diplomatic maneuvers continue, Trump is expected to brief Zelensky on his recent discussion with Putin and outline the next steps in Washington’s approach to ending the war.

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The event featured some of China’s newest and most advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles, long-range nuclear systems, laser technology, and even robotic “wolves” designed for battlefield use. Thousands of troops marched in perfect unison, as fighter jets and drones roared overhead.

President Xi Jinping declared that China was “unstoppable” and would “never be intimidated,” positioning the country as a rising global force. He was flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un — the first time the three leaders have appeared together publicly. Their handshake and joint walk onto Tiananmen Square quickly became one of the most symbolic images of the day.

The parade also provided a glimpse into China’s growing focus on missile strategy, cyber warfare, and artificial intelligence-driven combat systems. While the range of new technology impressed observers, questions remain about how effectively China can integrate and command such a diverse arsenal, given its lack of recent battlefield experience.

Beyond the weaponry, the event was carefully staged political theatre. The presence of Putin and Kim underlined deepening ties among countries that are positioning themselves as an alternative to Western-led systems. Meanwhile, the absence of most Western leaders was notable — with only a handful of smaller nations represented at a high level.

Guests at the reception following the parade were treated to a lavish menu, from scallop consommé and lobster to mango mousse cake, washed down with Chinese wines. During the meal, Xi raised a toast, urging nations to avoid a return to the “law of the jungle” and instead work together for peace and prosperity.

But the mood beyond Beijing was less celebratory. In Washington, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Xi, Putin, and Kim on social media, accusing them of plotting against America. Western officials are also likely to scrutinize the new weapons unveiled, particularly China’s advances in hypersonic missiles and underwater drones.

The parade closed with a dramatic flypast, followed by doves and balloons released into the sky — a show of patriotism and power. For China, it was more than just a commemoration of the past; it was a statement about the future, with Xi placing himself firmly at the center of a shifting global order.

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Putin expressed that he is “sincerely interested” in ending the war, though he offered no specifics. Neither leader took questions from the press after the summit.

Trump, who often portrays himself as a skilled peacemaker, left Alaska without securing a deal. In Kyiv, there is relief that no agreement was struck without Ukraine’s involvement. Trump mentioned he plans to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the talks.

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The announcement follows Trump’s recent statement that there’s a “good chance” he could meet both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky very soon to discuss a possible end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. When asked about a potential three-way summit, Trump responded that the prospects were strong but offered few details.

This comes ahead of a deadline set by Trump, requiring Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face expanded sanctions. That deadline expires Friday.

Trump’s optimism stems from recent talks held in Moscow between Putin and his envoy, Steve Witkoff. The US President described those talks as “highly productive.” Russian officials, while more reserved, called the discussions “constructive” and noted an exchange of signals between both sides.

Witkoff has traveled to Moscow multiple times this year, and although Trump has remained hopeful after each visit, he admitted that Putin had left him disappointed on several occasions. Now, his tone is more cautious. “I don’t call it a breakthrough,” he told reporters. “We’ve been working on this for a long time. Thousands of young people are dying… I just want to get it over with.”

Reports suggest Trump had initially hoped to meet with Putin as early as next week, with a possible follow-up meeting including Zelensky.

Zelensky has confirmed speaking to Trump about the envoy’s visit and indicated support for a meeting between the three leaders. He emphasized the need for leadership-level talks and said it’s important to define the scope and timing of such a meeting.

Images released show Putin and Witkoff shaking hands in a formal setting, suggesting a cordial relationship despite the tensions.

However, expectations for a breakthrough remain low. Russia continues to launch airstrikes against Ukraine, seemingly unfazed by the threat of new US sanctions. In response to ongoing tensions, Trump recently signed an executive order placing a 25% tariff on imports from India due to its continued oil trade with Russia.

Before taking office, Trump claimed he could end the war in a single day. Since then, his stance on Russia has grown tougher, especially as the war drags on. Three past rounds of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, held in Istanbul, failed to deliver results. Russia’s demands remain unacceptable to Ukraine and its allies, and the Kremlin has repeatedly rejected direct talks with Zelensky.

Meanwhile, the US continues to support Ukraine militarily, approving an additional $200 million in aid this week, including funding for drone production.

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