Ukraine Captures Two Chinese Nationals Fighting for Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that two Chinese nationals were captured fighting alongside Russian forces in the Donetsk region. According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian troops recovered their documents, bank cards, and personal data. “We have information that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just two,” he said, adding that China’s involvement—direct or indirect—is proof that “Putin is going to do anything except end the war.”
The news has drawn sharp reactions from Kyiv’s allies and pushback from Beijing. China’s Foreign Ministry called the claims “groundless,” stating it is verifying the situation with Ukrainian authorities and emphasizing its citizens are told to avoid conflict zones. Ukraine has summoned China’s chargé d’affaires to demand answers, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stating that Chinese citizens fighting for Russia “puts into question China’s declared stance for peace.” The U.S. described the reports as “disturbing,” noting China’s broader role as a key enabler of Russia’s war machine through dual-use exports.
Zelenskyy urged the U.S., Europe, and the international community to respond, saying, “We hope that after this situation, the Americans will talk more with Ukrainians and then with Russians.” Meanwhile, Russia has yet to comment on the capture or confirm any official use of Chinese fighters, though the Kremlin has relied on foreign military support before, including from Iran and North Korea.
