Ukraine Captures Chinese Nationals in Russian Army, Demands Explanation from Beijing
Kyiv, Ukraine – Tensions are escalating as Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese nationals fighting alongside the Russian army in eastern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the capture, stating that Ukrainian forces seized the individuals' documents, bank cards, and personal data in the Donetsk region.
Zelensky expressed deep concern over the presence of Chinese citizens within the Russian ranks, suggesting that the number could be more than just two. "We have information that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just two. We are now finding out all the facts," Zelensky stated in a Telegram post.
The Ukrainian President has instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to immediately contact Beijing, seeking clarification on China's reaction to the situation. "I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to immediately contact Beijing and find out how China is going to react to this."
Zelensky also accused Russia of involving China in the European conflict, directly or indirectly, signaling a concerning escalation. "Russia’s involvement of China in this war in Europe, directly or indirectly, is a clear signal that Putin is going to do anything except end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting," Zelensky said.
It remains unclear whether the captured Chinese nationals are soldiers or volunteers. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has summoned Beijing’s chargé d’affaires in Ukraine "to condemn this fact and demand an explanation.”
Zelensky called on allies in the United States and Europe to protest, emphasizing the need for international attention and pressure. He hopes the situation will prompt increased dialogue between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia and a response from China.
Ukraine views this as further military support from another country to Russia's invasion, following Iran and North Korea. CNN has reached out to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Russia’s Ministry of Defense for comment.
This development comes amid concerns that China has ramped up support for Russia's defense industry, providing machine tools, drone and turbojet engines, cruise missile technology, microelectronics, and nitrocellulose.
Meanwhile, Russia has strengthened its military ties with North Korea, including a mutual defense agreement and Pyongyang sending troops to fight for Moscow in Ukraine.
In other news, Russia's Ministry of Defense announced that it had retaken Guyevo in the Kursk region. A Ukrainian regiment released video on Tuesday showing strikes on Russia’s neighboring Belgorod region, one day after Zelensky on Monday that his country’s troops have been active in the region as they seek to protect Ukrainian towns near the border.