Ukraine forces have captured two Chinese nationals alleged to be fighting for the Russian army in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, the soldiers were captured in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region with identification documents, including bank cards, which had “personal data” on them.
In a statement issued on his social media account, Zelensky explained that Ukrainian forces fought six Chinese soldiers and took two of them prisoner, adding that intelligence suggested the number of Chinese soldiers in Russia’s army was much higher than two.
His post was accompanied by a video showing one of the alleged Chinese captives in handcuffs, speaking Mandarin Chinese and apparently describing a recent battle.
“We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just these two,” he said.
“Russia’s involvement with China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war,” Zelensky added.
While the president called for a response from the United States, Europe, and other nations that want peace, the foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, said that he had summoned China’s chargé d’affaires in Kyiv to demand an explanation.
“We strongly condemn Russia’s involvement of Chinese citizens in its war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as their participation in combat against Ukrainian forces.”
He added that the move “puts into question China’s declared stance for peace” and undermines Beijing’s credibility as a member of the UN Security Council.
Reacting to this, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the reports as disturbing and must not be neglected.
She added that China is a “major enabler” of Russia’s war in Ukraine, citing its supply of dual-use goods such as navigation equipment, semiconductor chips, and jet parts.
However, China’s foreign ministry said it was verifying the relevant situation with the Ukrainian side but that it had consistently urged Chinese nationals to steer clear of any armed conflicts.
It added that Kyiv’s accusation that more Chinese citizens were involved in the fighting was “groundless”.
“It is important to emphasise that the Chinese government has consistently urged its citizens to stay away from conflict zones and to avoid involvement in armed conflicts in any form – particularly participation in military actions on any side,” said foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian.
While Beijing and Moscow are close political and economic allies, China has attempted to present itself as a neutral party in the conflict and has repeatedly denied supplying Russia with military equipment.
