Ukraine’s military has captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Donetsk, revealing what President Zelensky claims is just the tip of a much larger foreign fighter presence in Putin’s forces.
Quick Takes
- Ukrainian forces detained two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian troops in eastern Ukraine, with President Zelensky claiming many more are present in Russian units.
- Ukraine has summoned China’s charge d’affaires to demand an explanation, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha tasked with contacting Beijing directly.
- The incident challenges China’s self-proclaimed neutrality in the conflict and its credibility as a UN Security Council member advocating for peace.
- This capture follows the deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia in Kursk Oblast, indicating Putin’s strategy to internationalize his war effort.
- President Zelensky has called for immediate responses from the United States and Europe as Ukraine struggles to hold ground against Russia’s offensive.
Chinese Nationals Captured in Ukraine’s Donetsk Region
Ukrainian military forces have captured two Chinese citizens fighting with the Russian army in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region. President Volodymyr Zelensky made this announcement, emphasizing that Ukrainian forces have collected substantial evidence including identity documents, bank cards, and personal data from the captured individuals. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is now conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding these foreign fighters’ involvement in Russia’s military operations against Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian officials, intelligence suggests that these two captured individuals represent only a fraction of Chinese nationals currently serving in Russian military units. While the exact number remains unconfirmed, Western sources estimate that a few hundred Chinese nationals may be fighting as mercenaries with the Russian army. The critical question remains whether these fighters were sent officially by the Chinese government or joined Russia’s war effort voluntarily as private citizens or mercenaries.
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
Ukraine’s Diplomatic Response and China’s Position
In response to this discovery, Ukraine has summoned China’s charge d’affaires to demand an immediate explanation for the presence of Chinese citizens in Russia’s invasion force. President Zelensky has also directed Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to contact Beijing directly regarding this matter. This incident creates significant diplomatic tension at a time when Ukraine has been attempting to strengthen its relationship with China, including the recent appointment of a new ambassador to Beijing.
“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.
China has maintained a position of official neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but has simultaneously deepened its “no limits” partnership with Moscow since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. Beijing has expanded trade with Russia and supplied dual-use goods that can have military applications. This reality contrasts sharply with China’s public stance supporting peace, raising serious questions about its true role in the ongoing conflict.
Internationalization of Russia’s War Effort
The capture of Chinese nationals comes amid growing evidence of Russia’s efforts to internationalize its war against Ukraine. Zelensky specifically referenced North Korea’s deployment of troops to support Russia in the Kursk Oblast, where Ukrainian forces have conducted cross-border operations. North Korean units have reportedly suffered significant casualties, requiring additional troops to be sent as reinforcements.
President Zelensky has interpreted Russia’s recruitment of foreign fighters as evidence that Putin has no interest in a ceasefire or peace negotiations. “Russia’s involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting,” Zelensky wrote on social media. The Ukrainian president has called for urgent discussions with international partners about this concerning development.
International Implications and Call for Response
Ukraine is urging a strong international reaction to the capture of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia. President Zelensky has explicitly called for responses from the United States and European nations, emphasizing the need for unity among countries supporting Ukraine. This development comes as US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a resolution to the war, though no significant breakthroughs have emerged from these efforts.
The incident highlights the complex international dimensions of the Ukraine conflict. While Ukraine has attracted foreign fighters from approximately 70 countries to its own side, the involvement of Chinese nationals in Russia’s forces raises the stakes significantly. As a global superpower and permanent UN Security Council member, China’s connection to the conflict – even if unofficial – threatens to complicate diplomatic efforts to contain the war and could potentially signal a new, more dangerous phase in the ongoing conflict.
