Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia were recently captured by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region.
Zelensky shared this news on social media and even posted a video showing one of the captured men. In the video, the man was wearing military clothes with his hands tied and spoke a few words in Mandarin, including the word “commander.”
Zelensky said, “We have their documents, bank cards, and personal details.” These two people were found fighting with the Russian army inside Ukrainian territory.
A senior Ukrainian official told the media that these Chinese citizens were most likely not officially sent by China. Instead, they may have been recruited by Russia with contracts. The official also mentioned that more Chinese fighters might be involved, but further investigation is needed.
One of the ID cards shown revealed that the captured man was born in 1991 and belonged to the Han ethnic group, the majority population in China.
Read More: Chinese Premier Responds to Trump’s 104% Tariffs: ‘China Is Ready to Handle It’
Ukraine Questions China’s Role
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said that China’s diplomat in Ukraine was called in for an explanation. He raised concerns, saying:
“Chinese nationals fighting for Russia puts China’s peace stance in doubt and damages its image as a responsible UN Security Council member.”
Although China says it is neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war and doesn’t supply weapons to either side, Ukraine is questioning how neutral it really is. Zelensky believes there may be more Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, and he has asked his foreign minister to get answers from Beijing.
He also said this capture is a “clear signal” that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in ending the war.
US Reaction: ‘Disturbing’
The United States also reacted strongly. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said the news of Chinese citizens fighting for Russia was “disturbing” and shows how China is helping Russia in the war.
She said China supplies about 80% of the dual-use items (goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes) that Russia needs for the war.
Bruce also shared that US and Russian officials will meet in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss reopening some embassy services that were closed after the war began.
Ongoing War and Drone Attacks
The war has now entered its fourth year, with thousands of foreign fighters joining both Ukraine and Russia.
Ukraine has also asked Western countries to respond to Russia reportedly using North Korean troops in the western Kursk region.
Meanwhile, overnight Russian drone attacks injured 20 people in three Ukrainian cities:
- In Dnipro, 14 people were injured, including one in serious condition. Buildings were damaged, and victims were aged between 18 and 87.
- In Kramatorsk, an 11-year-old girl, her mother, and grandmother were hurt.
- In Kharkiv, three people were injured after about 15 drone strikes hit an industrial area, damaging local businesses including confectionery and paint factories.
Also See: Zelenskiy Confirms Ukrainian Troops Are Now Operating Inside Russia
Summary
Ukraine’s capture of two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia has raised serious questions about China’s true role in the war. Both Ukraine and the US are now waiting to see how China will respond to this development, as the war continues to cause harm and destruction across Ukrainian cities.
