Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that two Chinese citizens who fought for Russian forces were occupied by Ukrainian troops in the eastern part of Donetsk.
The people were held during the battle and found that they were carrying personal recognition, including bank cards, according to Zelensky, who made the announcement in a social media. A video was also released, showing one of the supposedly detailed fighters, speaking Chinese Mandarin.
Zelensky added that intelligence indicates a greater presence of Chinese nationals within Russian military units.
“Our army occupied two Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army. This happened in the Ukrainian territory – in the Donetsk region,” Zelensky said. “We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the conqueror’s units.”
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry called on China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Kiev, demanding clarification from Beijing. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the incident undermines China’s credibility and challenges its self -proclaimed neutral stance on the conflict.
“Chinese citizens who are struggling in the context of Russia’s invasion army in Ukraine call into question China’s stated attitude of peace,” Sybiha said in a statement.
The US Foreign Ministry called the reports “annoying”, with a spokesman describing China as a “main factor” of Russia’s war, showing the provision of dual -use goods, such as semiconductors and aircraft parts.
Zelensky urged the international community, including the US and Europe, to answer.
Russia and China have not issued immediate statements in response to claims.
Ukraine also reiterated its concerns about the development of Russian troops. Zelensky drew a distinction between their participation and China, noting that while the North Koreans fought in Kursk, Chinese nationals were struggling directly on Ukrainian territory.
Beijing has previously refused to provide military aid on each side and continues to be portrayed as a neutral actor in the war.
Russia began its complete invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow today controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.
A survey of Chinese detainees continues, with the Ukrainian Security Service handling the case.
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