Ukraine claims to capture 2 Chinese citizens fighting for Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that his forces have apprehended two Chinese nationals who were fighting in Ukraine this week. Zelenskyy shared the news through a video posted on Telegram, showcasing a visibly anxious prisoner of war.
In the video, Zelenskyy stated, “Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting in the Russian army. This incident took place on Ukrainian territory, specifically in the Donetsk region.” The Ukrainian President also mentioned that they have in their possession documents, bank cards, and personal information belonging to the captured individuals. He further added, “We have received intelligence suggesting that there are more Chinese citizens within the ranks of the occupying forces than just these two.”
Zelenskyy emphasized the need to investigate the matter thoroughly, stating, “We are currently in the process of verifying all the information. Our intelligence agencies, the SBU, and various units of the Armed Forces are actively working on this case. I have instructed the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs to promptly reach out to Beijing and ascertain China’s response to this situation.”
This development comes in the wake of Ukrainian forces detaining two North Korean soldiers who were fighting alongside Russian troops in January. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirmed the capture of the North Korean soldiers on January 9 in the Kursk battlefield in Russia.
The Ukrainian military revealed that the North Korean soldiers were disguised in Russian military uniforms and carried counterfeit military IDs in their possession. Andrii Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, expressed concerns that this tactic could enable Moscow and its representatives at the U.N. to refute the evidence of foreign involvement in the conflict.
Zelenskyy underscored the significance of responding to Russia’s ongoing involvement in the conflict, stating, “Russia’s direct or indirect participation in this European war indicates that Putin has no intention of ending the conflict. He is actively seeking ways to prolong the fighting. This necessitates a collective response from the United States, Europe, and the global community, all of whom prioritize peace.”
The Ukrainian President’s announcement sheds light on the international dimension of the conflict in Ukraine and underscores the need for coordinated efforts to address the escalating crisis. The capture of foreign nationals fighting in Ukraine underscores the complex nature of the conflict and the challenges involved in resolving the ongoing crisis.
