President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting alongside Russian troops. This development has prompted Ukraine to seek clarification from China and a response from its global allies.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the political, military, and economic partnership between Russia and China has intensified.
In a statement shared on social media, Mr. Zelensky remarked, “Our military captured two Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army. This occurred on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region.” He elaborated that identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.
In a follow-up tweet, Mr. Zelensky emphasized, “We have the documents of these prisoners, bank cards, and personal data,” alongside a video featuring one of the alleged Chinese prisoners.
While China positions itself as a neutral entity in this conflict—claiming not to provide lethal assistance to either side—its close political and economic alliance with Russia cannot be overlooked. NATO members have labeled China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s military actions, which the nation has never publicly condemned.
In the ongoing struggle to bring about a resolution, former US President Donald Trump has consistently advocated for a swift end to the protracted war. However, despite numerous diplomatic efforts, significant breakthroughs remain elusive.
Aside from the immediate incident, Mr. Zelensky expressed concern that “many more” Chinese soldiers may be engaging in combat alongside Russian forces. He stated, “I have instructed the foreign minister of Ukraine to immediately reach out to Beijing to determine how China plans to respond to this situation.” He characterized the capture of the two citizens and Russia’s involvement with China as “a clear signal that Putin will do anything but end the war.”
The president also urged a reaction from the United States, Europe, and “everyone in the world who cherishes peace.” He added, “I believe the United States should pay closer attention to what is unfolding today,” during a press conference held in Kyiv.
As Ukraine continues to navigate its challenges, it has called on Western partners to address the Russian deployment of thousands of North Korean troops in the Kursk region. “The North Koreans fought against us in the Kursk region, and the Chinese are fighting on Ukrainian soil. This is a crucial point that requires urgent discussion with our partners,” Mr. Zelensky noted in his remarks.
In pursuit of stronger ties, Ukraine previously sent its former foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, to China and recently appointed a new ambassador to strengthen diplomatic relations.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
