Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently voiced serious concerns regarding the involvement of hundreds of Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces at the frontline in Ukraine. He accused Moscow of dragging China into its ongoing invasion, a claim that raises significant geopolitical implications.
During a meeting with military leaders from allied nations in Brussels, Zelensky stated, “As of now, we have information that at least several hundred Chinese nationals are fighting as part of Russia’s occupation forces.” This comment underscores his belief that Russia is intent on prolonging the conflict, even at the expense of lives from other nations. “This means Russia is clearly trying to prolong the war – even by using Chinese lives,” he added, highlighting the troubling alliance emerging in this brutal conflict.
This week, Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals in the eastern Donetsk region, believed to be fighting for Moscow. This development led Zelensky to assert that Russia is implicating Beijing in its military efforts. “We cannot overlook the ramifications of this intersection of interests,” he remarked.
In a heartfelt appeal for support, Zelensky urged allies to provide more air defense systems, addressing military leaders via video from his hometown of Kryvyi Rig. This city was recently devastated by a Russian ballistic missile attack that tragically claimed the lives of 19, including nine children. “You know that Ukraine has a shortage of air defense systems. You know that Patriot systems can effectively protect against ballistic threats,” he urged. “I ask you to focus first of all on air defense for Ukraine. We truly need it. Ten Patriot systems—the free world has them,” he emphasized, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
Furthermore, Zelensky criticized Russia for rejecting a comprehensive ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States with Ukrainian consent a month ago. He called on allied nations to collaborate on developing a security contingent capable of deterring further Russian aggression once hostilities cease. “We need to define clear details regarding the size, structure, deployment, logistics, sustainment, and the equipment and weapons of this security contingent in Ukraine,” he stated, outlining a proactive approach to future security.
In a parallel development, Russia’s defense ministry claimed victory in capturing the village of Zhuravka, located in the Sumy region near the northern border. However, Ukrainian officials have not confirmed this claim. Moscow has long targeted this area with air assaults, seeking to drive out remaining Ukrainian forces who continue to defend their territory fiercely.
Ukrainian authorities have reported a surge in Russian military activities across the border, although they refrained from acknowledging the loss of Zhuravka. Just four days ago, Russia asserted control over another village in the area, Basivka, a claim Ukrainian officials contested. The latest report from Moscow offered no further insight, merely stating that its troops were in control of Zhuravka.
According to Russian state news agency Tass, security sources indicated that this advance positions Russian forces closer to another site, Yunakivka, which reportedly serves as a logistics hub for Ukrainian operations across the border. Volodymyr Artiukh, the governor of the Sumy region, shared that Russian military activity had escalated by 30% in the past week. “Over the past seven days, the Russians have launched 47 assault operations on our defenders’ positions,” he posted on Facebook. “The enemy’s main efforts are focused on the area around the settlements of Zhuravka and Vasivka,” he confirmed.
Artiukh also pointed out that Russian forces continue to target civilian infrastructure, with recent attacks aimed at food processing facilities such as meat-packing plants and dairies. He noted that Ukrainian troops holding their ground in the Kursk region were delivering a strong resistance, inflicting significant losses on the enemy.
Amid these developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin has persistently suggested that his forces aim to establish a buffer zone along the border. On Tuesday, the Russian defense ministry shared video footage purportedly showing the recapture of Guyevo, one of the few remaining Ukrainian positions in the Kursk region.
In a notable admission, Zelensky acknowledged Ukraine’s military operations within Russia’s Belgorod region, conducted to protect towns on the Ukrainian side of the border. “We are committed to safeguarding our land,” he concluded, reaffirming Ukraine’s resolve in the face of ongoing adversity.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
