Ukraine has captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region, raising serious questions about China’s proclaimed neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
Top Takeaways
- Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian troops in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
- President Zelensky claims there are “much more” Chinese citizens in Russian military units and has summoned China’s charge d’affaires for an explanation.
- The incident raises questions about China’s self-proclaimed neutral stance while maintaining a “no limits” partnership with Russia.
- Ukraine has called for international response from the U.S. and Europe, highlighting concerns about foreign involvement expanding the conflict.
- The capture follows North Korea’s deployment of troops to support Russia, indicating Putin’s strategy to internationalize the war rather than seek peace.
Chinese Nationals Captured in Ukraine Combat Zone
Ukrainian forces have detained two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday. The captured individuals were found with identity documents, bank cards, and personal data that confirmed their Chinese citizenship. Ukraine’s SBU security service is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding their involvement in the conflict. Zelensky stated that Ukrainian intelligence indicates there are more Chinese citizens integrated into Russian military units, though the exact number remains unclear.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has been instructed to contact Beijing for an official explanation, with Ukraine already summoning China’s charge d’affaires to demand clarification. The incident has prompted concern about potential escalation in international involvement in the conflict, which has already seen North Korean troops deployed to support Russian forces in the Kursk Oblast.
Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.
We have information suggesting that… pic.twitter.com/ekBr6hCkQL
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 8, 2025
China’s Ambiguous Role in the Russia-Ukraine War
China has officially maintained a position of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but its actions have been viewed with skepticism by Western nations and Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, China and Russia have deepened their “no limits” partnership, expanding trade relations and strategic cooperation. China has become a vital economic lifeline for Moscow, supplying dual-use goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes, while refusing to condemn the Russian invasion.
“Chinese citizens fighting as part of Russia’s invasion army in Ukraine puts into question China’s declared stance for peace and undermines Beijing’s credibility as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council,” said Sybiha.
It remains unclear whether the captured Chinese soldiers were sent by their government or joined as mercenaries of their own volition. Western intelligence sources suggest that there is currently no evidence of official Chinese state sponsorship of these fighters. Some reports indicate that a few hundred Chinese nationals may be fighting as mercenaries with the Russian army, alongside fighters from other countries who have been recruited into various units.
International Implications and Calls for Response
President Zelensky has called for an international response to the capture of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, specifically urging reaction from the United States and Europe. He views the involvement of foreign fighters as evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin is seeking to expand and prolong the conflict rather than pursue peace. This development follows Ukraine’s concerns about North Korean troops supporting Russia, with North Korean units reportedly suffering significant casualties in the Kursk Oblast.
The war in Ukraine has attracted foreign fighters to both sides of the conflict. While Ukraine has received support from volunteer fighters from approximately 70 countries, Russia has increasingly relied on foreign nationals to bolster its forces. This internationalization of the conflict complicates diplomatic efforts to find a resolution. Despite efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to push for an end to hostilities, no breakthrough has been achieved as Ukrainian forces continue to struggle to hold ground against Russian advances.
Diplomatic Tensions and Future Relations
Ukraine has been attempting to maintain some diplomatic channels with China, having appointed a new ambassador and previously sending its Foreign Minister to China for discussions. Kyiv has urged Beijing to use its influence to pressure Moscow to end the war, which is now in its third year. However, this incident threatens to complicate Ukraine’s efforts to engage constructively with China while simultaneously seeking Western support.
The release of a video showing a captured soldier speaking Mandarin has raised additional concerns about potential violations of the Geneva Convention. International law governs the treatment of prisoners of war, and Ukraine’s handling of these captives will be closely scrutinized. Meanwhile, Zelensky emphasizes the need for urgent discussions with international partners about increasing foreign involvement in the conflict, which he views as a concerning escalation.
