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Kiev Escalates Claims Against Beijing Following Detention of Chinese Fighters in Ukraine
Kyiv has amplified its allegations against Beijing after Ukrainian forces apprehended two Chinese citizens fighting alongside Russia in the ongoing conflict. President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that these instances are not isolated, indicating a broader concern about Chinese nationals participating in the hostilities.
Zelensky: More Chinese Nationals Serving in Russian Forces
In his nightly video address on Wednesday, President Zelensky emphasized that the recent detentions are not singular events.
“We also possess information regarding other citizens of the People’s Republic of China serving within the Russian military – including names, surnames, and specific details on how these individuals joined the Russian occupation contingent,” Zelensky stated.
Identification of Chinese Nationals
During a press briefing held earlier, Zelensky revealed that Ukraine has intelligence suggesting at least 155 Chinese citizens are enlisted in the Russian army.
According to Zelensky, Kyiv possesses comprehensive data, including passport details, for all 155 individuals. He further claimed that Russia is recruiting these individuals through social media platforms, such as TikTok, and that the Chinese government is aware of this recruitment.
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Demand for Prisoner Exchange
Zelensky stated that the two Chinese detainees currently undergoing interrogation in Kyiv would only be released by Ukraine in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war. This demand was articulated during the press conference.
Contradiction with Beijing’s Stated Position
In his video message, Zelensky highlighted the contradiction between the presence of Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia and Beijing’s officially declared neutral stance on the conflict.
“Strengthening the occupation contingent while advocating for peace are mutually exclusive actions,” Zelensky asserted, questioning the consistency of China’s diplomatic declarations with the reported actions of its citizens.
China Denies Involvement
China, maintaining an officially neutral position on the Russia-Ukraine war, has previously refuted accusations of its citizens’ involvement in the conflict. Beijing has dismissed such reports as “unfounded” and maintains it does not support or condone such actions.