Ukraine reports that Chinese soldiers have been captured while fighting for Russ

Ukrainian officials report that two Chinese nationals have been apprehended while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that Ukrainian troops had taken the two Chinese citizens into custody during operations in the Donetsk region. He noted, "Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were serving in the Russian army. We have in our possession their documents, bank cards, and personal information," in a social media update. China has positioned itself as a neutral player in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, asserting that it does not provide lethal aid to either side, unlike the United States and other Western nations. What Did Zelenskyy Say About the Fighters?: Zelenskyy's social media update included images of one of the alleged Chinese captives, although DW has not independently verified the authenticity of the footage.

In statements to reporters, the Ukrainian president added that he had instructed officials to seek clarification from China, which he claimed had effectively aligned itself with Russia in the conflict. Furthermore, Zelenskyy mentioned that Kyiv has evidence suggesting "many more Chinese citizens" are fighting alongside Russian troops. "I have tasked the Ukrainian foreign minister with contacting Beijing to determine how China will respond to this situation," he said. In response to these developments, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced it is summoning the Chinese Charge d'Affaires for discussions. **Kyiv: North Korean Troops Already Fighting for Russia** Zelenskyy characterized China's involvement, along with that of other nations, as a clear indication that President Putin has no intention of ending the conflict. "I expect a reaction from Washington regarding this matter," he said.

Although Beijing maintains a close relationship with Moscow, it is not publicly known to have directly supported the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since the onset of the war, Russia has strengthened its ties with several adversaries of the West, including China and North Korea. Notably, North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops and weaponry to assist Russia in its battle against Ukraine, while foreign volunteers continue to fight alongside Ukrainian forces.
Edited: Bosman