Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that two Chinese nationals were captured while fighting in the Russian army in eastern Ukraine. The capture took place in the Donetsk region, where Ukrainian forces seized their documents, bank cards, and personal data. Zelensky stated that Ukrainian authorities are investigating the presence of more Chinese nationals within Russian military units and are seeking clarification from the Chinese government about their involvement.
The President expressed concern over Russia’s potential engagement of China in the conflict, warning that it may indicate Russia’s intention to prolong the war. Zelensky’s remarks came after Ukrainian forces captured the two Chinese nationals, whose status—whether they are soldiers or volunteers—remains unclear. Western officials have not found evidence of official Chinese state support for their participation.
In response to this development, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha summoned China’s chargé d’affaires in Ukraine to express the country’s condemnation and request an explanation. Zelensky also called for increased dialogue between Western allies, urging the U.S. and Europe to take a stronger stance in addressing China’s involvement, alongside Russia’s other military allies, such as Iran and North Korea. He emphasized that this development signals another country providing military support to Russia’s invasion.
The Chinese government previously advised its citizens to avoid conflict zones, especially military involvement, following an official social media post in January 2024. While China has publicly refrained from direct military involvement, it has been reported to provide substantial support to Russia in the form of supplies like machine tools, drone engines, and missile technology. This assistance has reportedly bolstered Russia’s defense industry as the war continues.
Furthermore, Russia has strengthened its military ties with North Korea, with the two nations signing a defense agreement. North Korean troops have also been sent to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. In January, Ukrainian troops captured two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia.
In addition to these developments, Russian forces have been making gains in the Kursk region, recently retaking a village in the area. Russian officials claimed that their forces liberated the settlement of Guyevo after an offensive operation. Despite these advances, Ukrainian forces still hold small portions of the region, with the Institute for the Study of War noting continued Ukrainian presence in areas of strategic importance.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have also been active in the Belgorod region, located just across the border in Russia. Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian troops had engaged in strikes against Russian infrastructure in the region, including destroying bridges in the villages of Grafovka and Nadezhevka. Ukrainian forces released video footage confirming their operations and presence within Russian territory. These strikes are part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to secure its borders and protect its territory from ongoing Russian aggression.
As the war continues, the dynamics of international involvement remain crucial in shaping the conflict’s trajectory, with China’s role under scrutiny amidst growing concerns of broader geopolitical ramifications.
