Ukraine captures two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia

Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese nationals who were reportedly fighting for the Russian military in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. He stated that intelligence suggests the actual number of Chinese soldiers in Russia's ranks is "much higher than two."

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, emphasized that the presence of Chinese troops on Ukrainian soil "casts doubt on China's stated position of promoting peace." He also announced that China's envoy in Kyiv has been called in for clarification.

This is the first official accusation that China is providing personnel to Russia for its ongoing war in Ukraine. There has been no immediate response from either Moscow or Beijing regarding the allegations.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, President Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces had captured two Chinese soldiers in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine. The soldiers were found with identification documents, including bank cards containing "personal data."

Zelensky revealed that Ukrainian troops had fought six Chinese soldiers, taking two of them prisoner. The post included a video showing one of the alleged Chinese captives in handcuffs, speaking Mandarin and seemingly describing a recent battle.

"We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just these two," Zelensky wrote. He added that Russia's involvement of China, along with other nations—whether directly or indirectly—in this war is a clear indication that Putin intends to do everything but end the conflict.

Zelensky urged a response from the United States, Europe, and all global actors who support peace. He confirmed that an investigation is underway, and the captives are currently in the custody of Ukraine’s security service.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, stated that he had summoned China’s chargé d'affaires in Kyiv to demand an explanation. In a post on X, Sybiha strongly condemned Russia's recruitment of Chinese citizens for its war in Ukraine, calling it a challenge to China’s declared stance on peace and undermining Beijing’s credibility as a responsible member of the UN Security Council.

In earlier reports, French newspaper Le Monde identified around 40 accounts on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, where Chinese individuals claimed to have joined the Russian military.

Ukraine and Western officials have also stated that North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to assist Russia's war efforts. Zelensky, in a press conference, mentioned, “North Koreans fought against us on the front in Kursk, and the Chinese are fighting on Ukrainian territory.”

Ukraine previously announced the capture of two injured North Korean soldiers in Russia's Kursk Oblast in January.

While Russia and China are close political and economic allies, China has consistently portrayed itself as a neutral party in the conflict, repeatedly denying any direct involvement in supplying Russia with military equipment.

Russia’s strategic advantage in the war has often been attributed to its ability to mobilize large numbers of soldiers, utilizing "meat grinder" tactics to gradually advance. Since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, primarily in the east.