Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese nationals who were reportedly fighting for the Russian army in the eastern Donetsk region, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Ukrainian government claims that the number of Chinese individuals involved in the war on behalf of Russia is likely much higher. Zelensky stated that the soldiers were detained with identification documents, including bank cards containing their personal information.
He further revealed that Ukrainian troops had engaged in combat with six Chinese soldiers, of whom two were taken into custody. A video released shows one of the alleged Chinese detainees handcuffed, speaking in Mandarin, and describing recent combat experiences.
Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, questioned China’s stated commitment to peace, citing this incident as a contradiction. He also confirmed that the Chinese ambassador in Kyiv had been summoned for an explanation.
This marks the first formal accusation by Ukraine that China is supplying manpower to Russia in the ongoing war, which has been raging for over three years. There has been no immediate response from Moscow or Beijing.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the incident as “disturbing,” stating that China has become a “key enabler” of Russia’s war against Ukraine. She also highlighted China’s supply of dual-use goods to Russia, including navigation equipment, semiconductor chips, and jet parts.
President Zelensky called on the international community—especially the United States, Europe, and peace advocates worldwide—to respond to this development. He confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and that the captured individuals remain in the custody of Ukrainian security forces.