Ukrainian forces have captured Chinese citizens during fighting in the Donetsk region, obtaining their documents and confirming their identities, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
He provided more details on the capture during a press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Kyiv on April 8, saying the incident took place near the settlements of Tarasivka and Bilohorivka.
According to Zelensky, Ukrainian troops engaged in combat with six Chinese servicemen, capturing two of them.
“Accordingly, there are documents, there are their passports, there are even credit cards. These are citizens of China. I think this is a very important element. I think the United States should pay more attention to what is happening today,” Zelensky said.
He added that the presence of Chinese soldiers on the battlefield confirms that another foreign power is supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“This is another one after Iran and the North Korean military. But there are differences. The North Koreans fought against us in the Kursk direction. The Chinese are fighting on the territory of Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
“And I think this is an important point that we need to discuss with our partners. I think it’s urgent,” he added.
Zelensky stressed that although Ukraine remains resilient, it cannot simultaneously fight against multiple countries supporting Russia’s invasion, “all of which need something on our land.”
He also expressed hope that the US would strengthen its cooperation with Ukraine in light of the situation, and engage in dialogue with Russia.
“We really hope that the Chinese side will also react. I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense to contact their Chinese counterparts so that they can give us an explanation for the corresponding actions,” Zelensky said.
Ukraine’s 81st Separate Airmobile Slobozhanska Brigade of the Airborne Assault Forces carried out the operation to capture the Chinese prisoners.
The brigade clarified via Telegram that the Chinese citizens were part of a Russian military unit and were armed at the time of their capture.
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are currently carrying out all necessary procedural actions with the prisoners.
Kyiv Post reached out to the Chinese Embassy in Kyiv for comment on Tuesday, but had not received a response by the time of publication.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced on Tuesday that his ministry had summoned a Chinese diplomat following the capture of two Chinese soldiers reportedly fighting for Russia.
Sybiha condemned Russia for involving Chinese citizens in its aggression against Ukraine and demanded an explanation from Beijing.
The captured soldier, who was filmed describing a drone strike in both Mandarin and English, raised questions about China’s stance on the war.