Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the capture of two Chinese nationals who were allegedly fighting for the Russian military in the eastern Donetsk region—marking the first time Ukraine has officially accused China of supplying personnel to support Russia’s war effort.
Speaking on Tuesday, Zelensky claimed that Ukrainian intelligence suggests the number of Chinese fighters in Russian ranks is “much higher than two.”
The revelation has prompted swift diplomatic ripples. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that China’s envoy in Kyiv had been summoned for an explanation, stressing that Chinese soldiers fighting on Ukrainian soil “puts into question China’s declared stance for peace.”
Russia has not issued any comment on the allegation. However, China’s foreign ministry responded Wednesday, stating it was “verifying the relevant situation with the Ukrainian side,” and insisted that it has consistently warned its citizens against becoming involved in armed conflicts. It dismissed Kyiv’s broader claim of more Chinese involvement as “groundless.”
“We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just these two,” Zelensky wrote in a statement on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
According to Zelensky, the two men were captured in Donetsk with personal documents in their possession, including bank cards containing identifying information. He said Ukrainian forces had engaged in combat with a group of six Chinese fighters, ultimately capturing two.
The social media post was accompanied by a video showing one of the alleged captives in handcuffs, speaking Mandarin Chinese and seemingly recounting a recent battle.
“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,” Zelensky continued.
He urged an international response, calling on the United States, Europe, and global supporters of peace to take notice. He added that the two captives are currently being held by Ukraine’s security services, and an investigation is underway.
The US State Department weighed in on the developments, calling the reports “disturbing.” Spokesperson Tammy Bruce noted that China has already been a “major enabler” of Russia’s war in Ukraine by supplying dual-use goods like navigation equipment, semiconductor chips, and aircraft parts.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reiterated his condemnation on X, writing:
“We strongly condemn Russia’s involvement of Chinese citizens in its war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as their participation in combat against Ukrainian forces.”
He added that such actions undermine China’s credibility as a UN Security Council member.
Chinese officials responded by suggesting that if any of their nationals were fighting in Ukraine, they were doing so independently.
“It is important to emphasise that the Chinese government has consistently urged its citizens to stay away from conflict zones and to avoid involvement in armed conflicts in any form – particularly participation in military actions on any side,” said foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian.
Meanwhile, reports from French newspaper Le Monde have previously highlighted around 40 Douyin accounts—the Chinese version of TikTok—where users claimed to have joined the Russian army.
Ukraine and Western officials have also accused North Korea of providing troops to aid Russia. In January, Ukrainian forces reportedly captured two injured North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
At Tuesday’s press conference, Zelensky pointed out a key difference between the two cases:
“But there is a difference: North Koreans fought against us on the front in Kursk, the Chinese are fighting on the territory of Ukraine.”
The implications of China’s alleged involvement could be profound, particularly given its ongoing efforts to maintain a position of neutrality in the conflict, despite its deepening economic and strategic alliance with Moscow. China has repeatedly denied sending military aid to Russia.
While diplomatic tensions grow, Russian drone strikes continue to batter Ukrainian cities. Overnight attacks injured 14 people in Dnipro and two more in Kharkiv, officials said, with fires breaking out in both locations.
President Vladimir Putin launched Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and Moscow currently controls around 20% of Ukrainian territory, mainly in the country’s east. One of Russia’s key battlefield advantages has been sheer troop numbers, often employing high-risk “meat grinder” tactics that sacrifice large numbers of soldiers to gain ground.
As Ukraine presses for answers and support, Zelensky’s accusations may further complicate the geopolitical landscape of an already volatile conflict.
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