Ukraine Captures Chinese Nationals Fighting for Russia, Zelensky Demands Explanation
In a stunning development, Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese nationals fighting on the front lines for the Russian army in the Donetsk region. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the capture, stating that intelligence suggests a much larger presence of Chinese soldiers within Russian ranks. The revelation has sparked international concern and raised serious questions about China's neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
Zelensky shared the news on social media platform X, posting that the soldiers were apprehended with identification documents, including bank cards containing personal data. He noted that Ukrainian forces encountered six Chinese soldiers, taking two as prisoners. A video accompanying the post shows one of the alleged captives, in handcuffs, speaking Mandarin and describing a recent battle.
"Russia's involvement of 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," stated Zelensky.
He called for a strong response from the United States, Europe, and all nations advocating for peace. An investigation is currently underway, with the captured individuals in the custody of Ukraine's security service.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, has summoned China's chargé d'affaires in Kyiv to demand an explanation. In a post on X, Sybiha condemned Russia's use of Chinese citizens in its war against Ukraine, emphasizing that it casts doubt on China's declared commitment to peace and undermines its credibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
"Chinese citizens fighting as part of Russia's invasion army in Ukraine puts into question China's declared stance for peace and undermines Beijing's credibility as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council," Sybiha wrote.
While Beijing and Moscow maintain close political and economic ties, China has consistently portrayed itself as a neutral party and has denied providing military assistance to Russia. These captures directly contradict that position, presenting a significant challenge to China's diplomatic stance.
The BBC has reached out to both Moscow and Beijing for comment, but no immediate response has been received.
This incident follows reports from French newspaper Le Monde, which identified around 40 accounts on Douyin, TikTok's sister app in China, belonging to Chinese individuals claiming to have joined the Russian army. Additionally, Ukraine has previously reported capturing foreign fighters, including North Koreans, fighting alongside Russian forces.
The capture of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia marks a significant escalation in the narrative of the Ukraine conflict, prompting serious questions about international involvement and the true allegiances of global powers.