South Africa-Russia Talks on Ukraine, BRICS

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Ramaphosa expressed South Africa's support for efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The two leaders also discussed cooperation within key international fora such as BRICS and the G20. Additionally, both presidents pledged their support for the process of returning South African citizens who are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This follows a November report from South Africa's government indicating that 17 of its citizens had joined mercenary forces in Ukraine and sought assistance to return home. The call also touched upon advancing a mutually beneficial trade and investment framework between Russia and South Africa.