Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that two Chinese soldiers have been captured by Ukrainian forces during combat operations in eastern Ukraine.
He stated that six Chinese soldiers were engaged in fighting, and two were taken prisoner.
Zelenskyy said officials have been instructed to seek clarification from Beijing, suggesting this may be part of a wider trend.
“We have information that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units than just two. We are now finding out all the facts,” he added.
The presence of Chinese fighters—possibly acting as mercenaries—marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. While China has consistently denied supplying weapons to Russia, it remains a close ally of Moscow.
“Russia’s involvement of China in this war in Europe, directly or indirectly, is a clear signal that Putin is going to do anything but end the war,” Zelenskyy said. “He is looking for ways to continue the war.”
Zelenskyy also criticized the United States for its response to Russia’s aggression, calling for a stronger stance from Western allies.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine engaged in combat with six Chinese citizens in Donetsk Oblast, within the settlements of Tarasivka and Bilohorivka, after which two of the Chinese citizens were taken prisoner.
This was reported on Tuesday, April 8, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
According to the president, the incident is evidence that “another country is militarily supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”