On the participation of Chinese soldiers in the Russian war in Ukraine

On April 8, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Ukrainian military forces had captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting on the side of the Russian army in the Donetsk region. According to him, these individuals had documents, bank cards and other personal data confirming their identity. Zelensky also noted that there is information about the possible presence of a larger number of Chinese citizens in units of the Russian troops.

In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of China to provide official explanations regarding the participation of Chinese citizens in hostilities on the side of Russia. The Ukrainian side emphasized that such participation contradicts China’s stated position of neutrality and undermines its authority as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The operation to capture the Chinese military was carried out by fighters of the 81st Separate Airmobile Sloboda Brigade of the Airborne Assault Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is noted that these Chinese citizens were in the combat zone with weapons in their hands as part of a unit of Russian occupation forces.

There has been no official reaction from China so far. Western officials note that there is no evidence yet that these individuals acted on the instructions of the Chinese government. However, this incident raises concerns about the possible participation of Chinese citizens in the conflict and requires further investigation.

The capture of Chinese citizens who fought on the side of Russia could have serious international consequences and affect diplomatic relations between Ukraine, China and other countries. The Ukrainian authorities call on the international community to respond to this incident and take appropriate measures.