Ukrainian army captures two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in Donetsk region

Ukrainian president reported: "Our military captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting in the Russian army. This took place on Ukrainian territory, in Donetsk region. We have documents, bank cards, and personal data of the prisoners. We have information that there are many more Chinese citizens in the Russian units than just these two. We are currently verifying all the facts. Intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the relevant Armed Forces units are working on this," the statement said.

Zelenskyy noted that he had instructed Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, to immediately contact Beijing to determine China's reaction to the incident. 

According to the president, the captured Chinese citizens have been handed over to the Security Service of Ukraine, and investigative and operational actions are ongoing.

"The involvement of Russia and, indirectly or directly, China in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin is determined to do anything but end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting. This definitely requires a response. The United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who wants peace must respond," the president emphasized. 

During a meeting with media representatives, Zelenskyy clarified that Ukrainian forces engaged six Chinese soldiers in the Tarasivka and Bilohorivka areas, two of whom were captured. 

The president stressed that "there is a difference: North Koreans fought against us on the Kursk front, while the Chinese are fighting on Ukrainian territory." He added that this is an important matter that needs to be discussed with partners.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry summons China’s chargé d'affaires over Chinese citizens fighting for Russia

This was announced by Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha.

He emphasized that Ukraine strongly condemns Russia’s involvement of Chinese citizens in its war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as their participation in combat operations against Ukrainian forces.

“We summoned the chargé d'affaires of the People's Republic of China in Ukraine to the Foreign Ministry to condemn this fact and demand an explanation. The participation of Chinese citizens in Russia’s invading army in Ukraine calls into question China’s declared position on peace and undermines trust in Beijing as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council,” Sybiha stated.

• In the Kursk frontline sector, soldiers of the Airborne Assault Forces, together with other units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, captured five Russian troops.