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Ukrainian Forces Reportedly Capture Chinese Nationals Fighting for Russia
Kyiv has announced the apprehension of two Chinese citizens allegedly engaged in combat for the Russian military in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that intelligence suggests a more substantial presence of Chinese personnel within the Russian ranks. This development marks the initial formal claim of China providing manpower to support Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Details of the Alleged Capture
President Zelensky disclosed via social media platform X that the individuals were detained in the eastern Donetsk region. Identification documents, including bank cards containing “personal data,” were reportedly found on the captured soldiers. According to Zelensky, Ukrainian military units confronted six Chinese combatants, taking two into custody.
A video accompanying the social media post purportedly depicts one of the Chinese detainees in handcuffs, speaking Mandarin and seemingly recounting a recent engagement. Zelensky asserted, “We possess information indicating a significantly larger number of Chinese citizens within the occupying forces than just these two individuals.”
He further commented on the broader implications, stating, “Russia’s enlistment of China, alongside other nations, whether directly or indirectly, in this European conflict serves as a clear indication that Putin’s intentions are far from ending hostilities.” Zelensky urged a response from global powers, including the United States and Europe, as well as all those advocating for peace.
President Zelensky confirmed that an inquiry is underway and the captured individuals are currently in the custody of Ukraine’s security services.
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Diplomatic Repercussions and Demands for Explanation
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has summoned China’s chargé d’affaires in Kyiv to formally “demand an explanation.” In his statement on X, Sybiha conveyed strong condemnation: “We vehemently denounce Russia’s recruitment of Chinese citizens in its war of aggression against Ukraine, along with their involvement in armed conflict against Ukrainian forces.”
Sybiha elaborated on the implications for international relations, asserting that “Chinese citizens serving within Russia’s invasion force in Ukraine casts doubt on China’s proclaimed position of neutrality and peace, and erodes Beijing’s standing as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council.”
Context of Foreign Fighters and Broader Conflict
Prior reports from the French publication Le Monde indicated the identification of approximately 40 accounts on Douyin, TikTok’s Chinese counterpart available only within China, belonging to Chinese individuals claiming to have joined the Russian army.
Kyiv and Western officials have previously asserted that North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops to bolster Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. In a press briefing on Tuesday, President Zelensky stated, “North Koreans have engaged in combat against us on the front lines in Kursk, and now Chinese are fighting within Ukrainian territory.” Ukraine previously announced the capture of two wounded North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast in January.
China’s Stance and the Nature of the Conflict
Despite close political and economic ties between Beijing and Moscow, China has consistently portrayed itself as an impartial actor in the conflict and has repeatedly denied providing Russia with military supplies. Analysts note that Russia’s numerical advantage remains a key factor in the conflict. Reports have emerged detailing Moscow’s employment of so-called “meat grinder” tactics, involving the deployment of mass numbers of soldiers to the front lines to achieve incremental territorial gains.
Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Currently, Moscow maintains control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, primarily concentrated in the eastern regions.