Two Chinese Soldiers Captured During Fighting In Ukraine's Donetsk Region, Says Zelenskyy

Last Updated:April 08, 2025, 22:02 IST

Zelenskyy said there were many more Chinese citizens fighting on the behalf of the Russian army and sought clarification from Beijing.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there were more Chinese citizens fighting for Russia. (Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his army has captured two Chinese citizens, who were fighting on behalf of the Russian Army in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession, he said.

“We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just these two. We are currently verifying all the facts—intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the relevant units of the Armed Forces are working on it," Zelenskyy said in a statement on X.

Zelenskyy said he had instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to immediately contact Beijing and seek clarification. “Russia’s involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting," he added.

Zelenskyy said this situation required a response from the United States, Europe and those “who wanted peace". The captured Chinese soldiers were in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine.

Russia and China have deepened political, military and economic cooperation since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. However, China maintains that it is a neutral party in the conflict and said it has not sent lethal assistance to either side, unlike the US and other Western countries.

However, NATO has branded China a “decisive enabler" of Moscow’s invasion, which it has never condemned. Zelenskyy has repeatedly urged Beijing to pressure Moscow to end its invasion that has cost tens of thousands of lives.

This came after Ukraine claimed that Russia has deployed thousands of North Korean soldiers to the western region of Kursk, where Kyiv has struggled to hold ground after launching a surprise offensive last year.

The alleged involvement of Chinese soldiers comes as US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a speedy end to the more than three-year war since taking office, but his administration has failed to reach a breakthrough despite rounds of negotiations.

Kyiv, Ukraine

News world Two Chinese Soldiers Captured During Fighting In Ukraine's Donetsk Region, Says Zelenskyy