On Tuesday Ukrainian Dictator Vladimir Zelensky announced that Kiev has captured two Chinese nationals who were fighting with the Russian military. Interestingly, The Ukrainian International Legion accepts individuals from around the world to fight with the Ukrainian military.
“This definitely requires a response,” Zelensky said.
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.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 8, 2025
We have information suggesting that… pic.twitter.com/ekBr6hCkQL
“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,” Ukraine’s Dictator said. “Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession. We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just these two. We are currently verifying all the facts—intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the relevant units of the Armed Forces are working on it. I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to immediately contact Beijing and clarify how China intends to respond to this. 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. This definitely requires a response. A response from the United States, Europe, and all those around the world who want peace. The captured Chinese citizens are now in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine. Relevant investigative and operational actions are ongoing.”
Beijing said they are verifying Ukraine’s claims, also saying Zelensky’s claims that more Chinese soldiers are fighting for Russia, besides the two captured ones, is baseless.
“It is important to emphasise that the Chinese government has consistently urged its citizens to stay away from conflict zones and to avoid involvement in armed conflicts in any form – particularly participation in military actions on any side,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.
In October it was reported that North Korean troops were sent to fight for Russia in Ukraine and that South Korea was mulling sending military personnel to Ukraine in response.
Perhaps more noteworthy is that the New York Times reported on March 30 that the United States had military personnel on the ground in Ukraine directly fighting Russia, something Alex Jones has been reporting since 2022.