Zelensky says Chinese nationals present among Russian troops in Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky says two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia were captured in Donetsk, raising concerns over China’s role in the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on X-Twitter the capture of two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces in the Donetsk region, highlighting growing foreign involvement in the conflict.
In a message posted on Tuesday afternoon, Zelensky stated, “Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory — in the Donetsk region.” He added that identification documents and bank cards were found on them.
— CREDIT: X-TWITTER/VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY —
The Ukrainian president also claimed that more Chinese citizens might be in Russian units, with Ukrainian intelligence actively investigating.
Emphasizing the broader implications, Zelensky remarked, “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. He is looking for ways to continue fighting.” He called for responses from the United States, Europe, “and all those around the world who want peace.”
The presence of Chinese soldiers in the Donetsk region is a development that raises questions about China’s role in the war in Ukraine, especially given its close ties with Russia. So far, Beijing has not publicly supported Russia’s invasion.
It remains unclear whether the two men were acting as independent mercenaries or were soldiers dispatched by the Chinese government. Either scenario could carry significant diplomatic repercussions. Beijing has yet to clarify whether it had any knowledge of their involvement, a silence that adds to the uncertainty around China’s true position in the war.
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