Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that hundreds of Chinese nationals are fighting at the frontlines in Ukraine alongside Russian forces, after accusing Moscow of involving China in its invasion.
“Currently, we have information indicating that at least several hundred Chinese citizens are participating in Russia’s occupation forces,” Mr. Zelensky stated during a gathering of military leaders from allied nations in Brussels.
“This clearly shows that Russia is attempting to extend the war – even at the cost of Chinese lives,” he added.
This week, Kyiv reported that its forces had detained two Chinese nationals in the eastern Donetsk region who were fighting for Moscow, prompting accusations from Mr. Zelensky that Russia was dragging Beijing into the conflict.
Mr. Zelensky also made a heartfelt appeal for additional air defense systems, delivering remarks via video from his hometown of Kryvyi Rig, where a Russian ballistic missile strike last week resulted in 19 fatalities, including nine children.
“As you know, Ukraine is facing a shortage of air defense systems. You are aware that Patriot systems can effectively shield against ballistic threats,” he said.
“I urge you to prioritize air defense for Ukraine. We genuinely need it. There are ten Patriot systems available with the free world,” he mentioned.
The Ukrainian leader further criticized Russia for rejecting a complete ceasefire proposal made by the United States with Ukrainian consent a month ago.
He called on allies to make advancements in establishing a contingent of forces that could deter future Russian aggression following a cessation of hostilities.
“We must establish clear details concerning the size, structure, deployment, logistics, sustainment, and the equipment and weaponry of this security contingent in Ukraine,” Mr. Zelensky stated.
A view of the destruction caused by a Russian attack in Kupyansk, Ukraine (file photo)
Russia announces capture of village in Ukraine’s Sumy region
In parallel, Russia’s defense ministry has claimed that its forces captured the village of Zhuravka in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region, although Ukrainian officials have not confirmed this development.
Moscow has continuously conducted air strikes in the region opposite its Kursk territory, aiming to expel the remaining Ukrainian forces eight months after their initial cross-border incursion and subsequent territorial gains.
Ukrainian officials reported heightened military activity from Russia along the border, but did not acknowledge the fall of Zhuravka.
Just four days prior, Moscow asserted that its forces had taken another village in the region, Basivka, a claim that Ukrainian officials disputed.
The latest statement from Russia’s defense ministry offered no further details other than stating that its troops were in control of Zhuravka.
Russian state news agency Tass quoted security sources indicating that this advance brought Russian forces closer to Yunakivka, which reportedly serves as a logistics center for Ukrainian forces operating across the border in Kursk.
Sumy region governor Volodymyr Artiukh informed regional defense officials that Russian assaults in the area had increased by 30% over the past week.
“In the last seven days, the Russians have conducted 47 assault operations on the positions of our defenders,” Mr. Artiukh noted in a Facebook post.
“The enemy’s primary focus is on the areas surrounding the settlements of Zhuravka and Vasivka,” he added.
Mr. Artiukh reported that Russian forces continued to target civilian installations and infrastructure, with recent strikes noted on food industry facilities such as meat-packing plants and dairies.
He further stated that Russia remains fixated on Ukrainian forces still holding ground in the Kursk region, who are delivering “a worthy rebuff to the enemy while inflicting significant losses”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly indicated that Russian forces aim to establish a buffer zone along the border.
This past Tuesday, the Russian defense ministry released footage it claimed showed the recapture of the settlement of Guyevo, one of Ukraine’s few remaining footholds in the Kursk region.
This week, Mr. Zelensky admitted for the first time that Ukrainian forces were also active in Russia’s Belgorod region, also on the border, to protect towns on the Ukrainian side.
