Zelensky Reveals Capture of Chinese Nationals Allegedly Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had apprehended two Chinese citizens who were reportedly fighting alongside Russian soldiers. He indicated that he would request clarification from Beijing and seek a response from Ukraine’s allies.

«Our military has detained two Chinese nationals who were part of the Russian army. This occurred in Ukraine’s Donetsk region,» Zelensky stated in a social media post.

«We possess their identification documents, bank cards, and personal information,» he continued, sharing a video that seemingly featured one of the captured individuals.

There was no immediate response from either Moscow or Beijing.

China claims to maintain a neutral stance in the conflict and has denied supplying lethal assistance to either side. Nevertheless, it continues to be a significant political and economic partner for Moscow, while NATO has identified Beijing as a «decisive enabler» of Russia’s invasion, which China has refrained from denouncing.

Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine has evidence indicating that “many more Chinese citizens” are involved in fighting for Russia, and he instructed the foreign minister to reach out to Beijing for further clarification.

He remarked that the capture of the two individuals and the alleged involvement of China in the conflict serve as “a clear signal that Putin is willing to do anything but end the war.”

Zelensky also urged a response from the United States, Europe, and “all those worldwide who desire peace.”

«I believe the United States should pay closer attention to the current situation,» he stated during a press conference in Kyiv.

He noted that Chinese nationals are not the only foreign fighters on Russia’s side, referencing North Korean troops deployed by the Kremlin in the Kursk region of southwestern Russia.

“The North Koreans have fought against us in the Kursk area, while the Chinese are engaged in combat on Ukrainian territory. I believe this is a critical issue that we need to discuss with our partners, and it requires urgent attention,” he concluded.

Ukraine, which previously sent its then-foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba to China last year, has been striving to strengthen its relations with Beijing. This week, Zelensky appointed a new ambassador to China.