Ukraine picks up two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia, says Zellinski Russia-Ukraine, news war

Ukraine President Voludmir Zelinsky said that the Ukrainian soldiers had seized Chinese citizens fighting alongside Russian forces, adding that Kiev would demand an explanation from Beijing and a reaction from its allies.

In recent years, Moscow and Beijing boasted about their partnership “no borders” and deepening political, military and economic cooperation since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

“Our army seized Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army. This happened on the territory of Ukraine – in the Donetsk region,” Zellinski said on a social media position on Tuesday.

“We have the documents of these prisoners, bank cards and personal data,” Zelinski said in a publication that included a video clip of one of the alleged Chinese prisoners.

Our army seized Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian lands – in the Donetsk region. Identity documents, bank cards and personal data are found in their possession.

We have information indicating that … pic.twitter.com/ekbr6hkql

– Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Zelenskyyua) April 8, 2025

There was no immediate response to the allegations of Moscow or Beijing, but Ukraine Foreign Minister Andre Sepeha said on social media that China’s charge had been called to an explanation.

“Chinese citizens who are fighting as part of the Russian invasion army in Ukraine are asking a question about China’s peaceful position and undermining the credibility of Beijing as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” said Sibha.

China provides itself as a neutral party in the conflict and says it does not send deadly assistance to either side, unlike the United States and other western countries.

But it is a close political and economic ally of Russia, and NATO members have described Beijing as a “decisive” invasion of Moscow, which he never yearned.

A “reaction” from the allies

US President Donald Trump has been pressing for a quick end to more than three years of war since he took office in January. But his administration failed to reach a boom despite negotiating rounds.

Kiev has repeatedly urged Beijing to pressure Moscow to end its invasion, which cost tens of thousands of lives, yet she has so far failed to see the Kremlin achieved his basic goals.

Zelinski said that Kiev had evidence that “many Chinese citizens” are fighting alongside Russian forces and that he had issued instructions for the Foreign Minister to find out how China intends to respond.

He said that the arrest of the two men and China’s participation in the conflict was “a clear indication that (Russian President Vladimir) will end the war.”

Zelinski also called “a reaction from the United States, Europe and every person in the world who wants peace” in his position on the Internet.

“I think the United States should pay more attention to what is happening today,” he said separately at a press conference in Kiev.

The war in Ukraine, which is now roaming during its fourth year, has attracted thousands of foreign fighters to both sides.

Ukraine urges its Western partners to respond to Russian publication of thousands of North Korean forces to the western region of Kursk.

The Ukrainian army was struggling to stick to after a attack on the border area last year, although Zelinski said for the first time on Monday that the Ukrainian forces were operating in the Russian region of Beljorod.

“The North Koreans fought against us in the Kursk region, and the Chinese are fighting on Ukraine.

“You can see the map moving. From the east, Russia continues to pay further and more, and take the city and the village one by one,” said Zain Basrafi of the island, who provides reports from Kiev.

While the Ukrainians will say that this really happens, they also say that “the battle has not ended.”

Kiev, who sent her then -author DMYTRO KULEBA last year, is seeking to deepen relations with Beijing, and this week appointed a new ambassador to China.