Ukrainian Military Captures Two Chinese Nationals Allegedly Fighting for Russia in Donetsk Region

In a significant development on the Ukrainian front, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture of two Chinese nationals allegedly fighting alongside the Russian army. The apprehension took place in the eastern Donetsk region, where the individuals are currently in the custody of Ukraine's security service. Zelenskyy made the revelation through a post on Telegram, although he did not provide any supporting evidence for the claim. Furthermore, he hinted at the possibility of a larger Chinese presence within the ranks of the occupying forces, indicating that "significantly more Chinese citizens" may be involved.

Ukraine captures Chinese citizens who fought with Russian army

If the identities of the captured individuals are confirmed, it could signify a new dimension in the ongoing conflict, suggesting that a third nation, following North Korea, may be dispatching military personnel to support Russia's prolonged invasion of Ukraine. This development unfolds against the backdrop of the United States, Ukraine's principal military supporter, seeking to mediate a resolution between Kyiv and Moscow while simultaneously intensifying its trade tensions with Beijing.

The Chinese embassy in Washington and the Kremlin have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the situation. In light of the incident, Zelenskyy has tasked Ukraine's foreign affairs ministry with reaching out to Beijing to ascertain its stance on the matter. He characterized the capture as a 'clear signal' of President Putin's unwillingness to cease hostilities, emphasizing the need for a coordinated global response to this escalation.

The announcement comes on the heels of Russian President Vladimir Putin dispatching close ally Kirill Dmitriev to Washington for diplomatic discussions. This marks the highest-level visit by a Kremlin official to the United States since the onset of the invasion in February 2022, underscoring the evolving diplomatic landscape amid the ongoing conflict.