Zelensky Says Ukraine Captured Two Chinese Nationals Fighting for Russia in Eastern Donetsk

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Kyiv/New Delhi, April 8, 2025, | Russia-Ukraine War: In a shocking new twist in the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia were captured by Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk region. The revelation has triggered a wave of international concern over the potential militarization of China’s support for Russia and threatens to further complicate an already volatile geopolitical crisis.

In a public statement on Telegram, Zelensky said the individuals were found carrying Chinese documents, bank cards, and personal belongings, and warned that there may be many more Chinese citizens serving in Russian military units operating inside Ukraine.

“Russia’s involvement of China in this war in Europe, directly or indirectly, is a clear signal that Putin is going to do anything except end the war,” Zelensky said.

Captured Chinese Nationals: Soldiers or Volunteers?

Zelensky did not confirm whether the two individuals were active-duty Chinese military personnel or volunteer fighters, leaving the situation shrouded in ambiguity. However, he emphasized that Ukraine’s intelligence services are actively verifying the backgrounds and affiliations of the detainees.

“We are now finding out all the facts,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine has instructed its Minister of Foreign Affairs to urgently contact Beijing for clarification.

Ukraine Demands Explanation from China

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed on Tuesday that Kyiv has summoned China’s chargé d’affaires in Ukraine to formally condemn the presence of Chinese nationals in Russian units.

“We are demanding a clear and immediate explanation from China,” Sybiha stated.

The Ukrainian government expressed hope that the U.S. and its European allies would increase pressure and raise the matter diplomatically with both Moscow and Beijing.

Zelensky: “China Joins Iran and North Korea on Russian Side”

Zelensky made a forceful appeal during a press conference, stating:

“This is another country that militarily supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the side of Russia. This is another one after Iran and the North Korean military.”

Zelensky’s inclusion of China alongside Iran and North Korea marks a notable escalation in tone, implying that Russia is drawing support from an emerging bloc of authoritarian allies.

China’s Position and History of Warnings

While China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to respond formally to the allegation, it has previously warned its citizens against becoming involved in foreign conflicts. A January 2024 social media post from the ministry read:

“Avoid involvement in conflicts in any form — particularly refraining from participating in military actions of any party.”

However, U.S. intelligence reports from 2024 indicate that China has been providing Russia with critical military technology and resources, including:

• Drone and turbojet engines
• Machine tools
• Cruise missile components
• Microelectronics
• Nitrocellulose used for weapons-grade propellant

The new development raises questions about whether China’s support has shifted from industrial and technical assistance to possible direct human involvement in the battlefield.

Background: Russia’s Foreign Fighters and Alliances

This is not the first time foreign nationals have been reported fighting for Russia:

• In January 2025, Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia.
• North Korea has signed a mutual defense agreement with Russia and has reportedly deployed troops and artillery support in key combat zones.

Russia’s reliance on foreign fighters and military partners like Iran, North Korea, and now potentially China, demonstrates a broadening of its support network in the face of Western isolation.

Russian Gains in Kursk and Frontline Updates

While the diplomatic standoff unfolds, Russia continues to regain territory in and around the Kursk region, which had seen a rare Ukrainian offensive in mid-2024.

• Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed Tuesday that its forces retook Guyevo, one of the last remaining Ukrainian-held villages in the region.
• According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian troops now occupy only small pockets of Kursk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his objective of establishing full control over the four Russian-occupied regions inside Ukraine.

Ukrainian Strikes in Belgorod Escalate Conflict

In retaliation and as part of ongoing border operations, Ukraine’s 225th Separate Assault Regiment released footage on Tuesday showing the destruction of two bridges in Russia’s Belgorod region.

The strikes were carried out using drones and ground teams and targeted infrastructure in the villages of Grafovka and Nadezhevka, both verified by CNN.

“Then the drone operations and clearing the ground followed,” the regiment confirmed in a Telegram post.

Ukrainian President Zelensky previously acknowledged on Monday that Ukrainian troops were actively operating inside Russian territory, a rare admission that confirms Kyiv’s strategic depth operations aimed at disrupting Russian logistics.

Civilian Casualties Mount Amid Renewed Russian Strikes – Russia-Ukraine War

Within the last 24 hours, Russian missile and artillery strikes have claimed the lives of at least three civilians and injured 19 others, according to Ukrainian emergency officials. The targeted regions include:

• Dnipropetrovsk
• Donetsk
• Kharkiv
• Kherson

These continued attacks highlight the unrelenting nature of Russia’s campaign, despite calls from international observers for de-escalation.

Expert Insight: A Turning Point in Global Alliances?

Global analysts are watching closely as Ukraine’s accusations against China may mark a critical diplomatic turning point. If verified, China’s involvement — direct or indirect — could strain its relations with the European Union, G7, and NATO and increase pressure from the United States.

Dr. Arun Devgan, Professor of International Affairs at JNU, told Hindustan Herald:

“If Chinese nationals are fighting on the ground for Russia, it crosses a threshold. It makes it harder for China to maintain its image as a neutral actor while undermining trust with the West.”

Global Stakes Rise as Foreign Powers Join the Battlefield

President Zelensky’s revelation that Chinese nationals were captured fighting in Ukraine opens a dangerous new chapter in the Russia-Ukraine war. With Iran, North Korea, and now potentially China joining the list of nations linked to Moscow’s military operations, the war is taking on an increasingly global character.

As Kyiv demands answers and Washington eyes Beijing’s next move, the world watches — wary of what deeper escalation could lie ahead.

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