President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukrainian forces detained two Chinese nationals who were fighting alongside Russian troops, stating that Ukraine would seek an explanation from China as well as a response from its allies.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia and China have strengthened their political, military, and economic ties.
“Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were involved with the Russian army. This occurred on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region,” Mr. Zelensky mentioned in a social media update.
Our military has taken into custody two Chinese individuals fighting as part of the Russian army, with their detention taking place on Ukrainian soil—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal information were found with them.
We have information suggesting that… pic.twitter.com/ekBr6hCkQL
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 8, 2025
“We possess documents belonging to these individuals, as well as bank cards and personal data,” Mr. Zelensky added in a post that included a video featuring one of the alleged detained Chinese citizens.
China has positioned itself as a neutral entity in the conflict, asserting that it is not providing lethal assistance to either side, unlike the United States and other Western countries.
However, it remains a close political and economic ally to Russia, with NATO members claiming that China acts as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s invasion, which it has yet to condemn.
US President Donald Trump has been advocating for a rapid conclusion to the prolonged war that has lasted over three years since he took office, but his administration has struggled to make significant progress despite multiple rounds of discussions.
‘Many more’ Chinese soldiers
Ukraine has persistently called on China to exert pressure on Russia to cease its invasion, which has led to the loss of tens of thousands of lives and has not yet enabled Russia to meet its key objectives.
Mr. Zelensky asserted that Ukraine has evidence indicating that “many more Chinese citizens” are also fighting alongside Russian forces.
“I have directed Ukraine’s foreign minister to reach out to Beijing immediately and seek clarification on how China plans to respond to this situation,” Mr. Zelensky stated.
He emphasized that the capture of the two men and Russia’s involvement of China in the conflict sends “a clear signal that Putin is willing to do anything but bring an end to the war.”
Mr. Zelensky also called for “a response from the United States, Europe, and all those around the globe who desire peace” in his online statement.
“I believe the United States should pay closer attention to what is unfolding today,” he mentioned further at a press conference held in Kyiv.
Ukraine has been urging Western allies to react to the deployment of thousands of North Korean troops by Russia to the western region of Kursk.
Ukraine is facing challenges in maintaining its positions after launching an offensive in the border area last year.
“The North Koreans fought against us in Kursk, and the Chinese are now engaging on Ukrainian territory. I think it is crucial that we address this issue with our partners, and it is urgent,” added Mr. Zelensky during the press conference.
Previously, Ukraine sent its then-Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to China last year, aiming to strengthen relationships with the country. This week, Mr. Zelensky appointed a new ambassador to China.
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