President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine revealed on Tuesday that two Chinese nationals have been captured while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Donetsk region, complicating the ongoing conflict and peace negotiations. He suggested that the presence of these fighters indicated Russia's reluctance to pursue a genuine peace process.
“We have information that many more such Chinese citizens are involved with the enemy's units," Zelensky stated, though he did not provide any concrete evidence to substantiate his claims. The situation has created a stir, especially given the delicate climate around the ongoing cease-fire talks, with the Trump administration appearing to lean towards Russia in its mediation efforts.
Zelensky emphasized that the involvement of foreign nationals, particularly from China, highlighted a troubling trend in Russia's military strategy. "This signals that Putin's intention is not to cease hostilities but to explore pathways for continued aggression," he asserted via social media.
In response, Zelensky ordered his foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, to reach out to Chinese officials for clarification regarding their stance. The foreign minister confirmed that he has summoned the Chinese chargé d’affaires to request an explanation of China's role and intentions in the conflict.
The announcement comes at a critical time as the geopolitical implications of the war continue to unfold, raising questions about the alliances and support being formed in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
