Ukraine has announced the capture of two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces in the embattled eastern Donetsk region. President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed the development on Tuesday, marking the first official allegation that China may be supplying manpower for Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to Zelensky, Ukrainian forces engaged six Chinese soldiers in combat and took two prisoner. He added that the captives were found with identification documents, including bank cards containing personal data. A video shared on social media platform X showed one of the detained individuals in handcuffs, speaking Mandarin and reportedly describing the recent battle.
“We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just these two,” Zelensky stated. “Russia’s involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war.”
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said China’s charge d’affaires in Kyiv has been summoned to provide clarification. “Chinese citizens fighting as part of Russia’s invasion army in Ukraine puts into question China’s declared stance for peace,” he said, condemning their involvement in what he termed Russia’s “war of aggression.”
While Beijing and Moscow maintain close economic and political ties, China has sought to portray itself as a neutral party in the conflict. The latest allegations, however, may complicate that narrative and draw scrutiny from the international community. China has not yet officially responded to Ukraine’s claims.
The French newspaper Le Monde recently reported that dozens of Chinese individuals had posted on Douyin TikTok’s Chinese counterpart about joining the Russian army. This development, combined with reports of North Korean troop involvement, signals a widening scope of foreign support for Russia’s military operations.
With the conflict now in its third year and Russia controlling about 20% of Ukrainian territory, these revelations could influence diplomatic relations and global support dynamics. Zelensky has called on the United States, Europe, and the international community to respond firmly to the growing involvement of foreign fighters in the war.
