Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that two Chinese nationals were captured while fighting alongside Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, raising alarm over the deepening ties between China and Russia amid the ongoing war.
The fighters were reportedly discovered in the Donetsk region, where fierce battles have continued between Kyiv’s troops and Russian occupiers. According to Zelensky, Ukrainian intelligence believes these individuals are not acting alone.
“We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just these two,” Zelensky stated in a post on X. “We are currently verifying all the facts — intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Armed Forces are working on it.”
Zelensky also confirmed that Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has been instructed to contact Beijing immediately to clarify China’s position on its citizens’ involvement in the war.
China’s Alleged Involvement Undermines Peace Claims, Zelensky Warns
While the exact route by which the Chinese nationals ended up on the frontlines remains unclear, Zelensky stressed that their presence challenges Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent rhetoric about ceasefires and peace negotiations.
“Russia’s involvement of China and other nations, whether directly or indirectly, is a clear signal that Putin intends to continue the war — not stop it,” the Ukrainian leader said. “He is actively looking for ways to prolong the fight.”
Zelensky urged the United States, Europe, and the broader international community to respond if there is growing evidence of coordinated Chinese support for Russia’s war effort.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry: China’s Credibility at Stake
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also weighed in, accusing China of undermining its declared neutrality and credibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
“Chinese citizens fighting as part of Russia’s invasion army puts into question Beijing’s declared stance for peace,” Sybiha posted on social media. “It contradicts China’s claims of neutrality and damages its reputation on the world stage.”
Foreign Fighters: A Growing Trend in Russia’s Ranks
The revelation follows reports from earlier this year that North Korea deployed approximately 10,000 troops to Kursk, Russia, to bolster Putin’s military campaign. That deployment led to heavy casualties, with Ukrainian estimates suggesting nearly a third of those soldiers were killed during a seven-month operation.
Despite withdrawing from Kursk in March, Ukraine has launched a renewed offensive inside Russian territory, with Zelensky confirming this week that Kyiv’s forces have successfully breached Russia’s Belgorod region, located along the border.
In response, North Korea is believed to have sent another 4,000 troops to support Russian operations.
Global Ramifications
The confirmed presence of Chinese nationals on the battlefield is likely to heighten global tensions, especially as the U.S. and European allies monitor growing cooperation between Moscow, Beijing, and Pyongyang.
M10News will continue to track developments and Beijing’s official response as international scrutiny over China’s actions intensifies.
