Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Tuesday that two Chinese nationals fighting in the Russian army have been taken prisoner in eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian forces obtained the individuals’ documents, bank cards, and personal data, according to Zelensky.
The president stated that Ukraine has reason to believe there are many more Chinese citizens involved with Russia’s military efforts, and is investigating further. He instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to contact Beijing and demand an explanation from China.
Zelensky also called on allies in the US and Europe to protest China’s involvement in the war. The Ukrainian president emphasized that this development marks another country supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
China’s foreign ministry stated last year that its citizens should avoid conflict zones, but it has provided significant support to Russia, including defense industrial base assistance and military equipment.
Russian forces have recently advanced in Kursk region and retaken a village held by Ukrainian troops. The US-based Institute for the Study of War reports that Ukrainian troops remain only in small parts of the Russian region.
This development is part of ongoing tensions between Ukraine and China, with China’s involvement sparking international concern.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/08/europe/ukraine-says-captured-chinese-nationals-russia-intl/index.html