Chinese nationals captured in Ukraine: Tensions rise amid diplomatic verifications
- We are verifying these reports in cooperation with the Ukrainian side, assured the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson. This was his comment on reports of the capture of two Chinese citizens in Ukraine, who were allegedly fighting in the ranks of the Russian army.
What you need to know
- What's happened? The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced that Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese citizens fighting on the Russian side in the Donetsk region.
- How has China reacted? The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by spokesperson Lin Jian, is verifying these reports in cooperation with Ukraine.
- What are the next steps? The captured Chinese citizens are being held by the Security Service of Ukraine, where they are undergoing investigative procedures.
Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised that Beijing is closely monitoring and verifying reports concerning the capture in Ukraine of two Chinese citizens who were supporting the Russian army.
- We are verifying these reports in cooperation with the Ukrainian side, announced Lin Jian during a press briefing.
He added that the Chinese government consistently advises its citizens to avoid regions with armed conflicts and to refrain from engaging in military activities.
Are there more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units?
President Zelensky noted that, according to information from Ukrainian forces, more Chinese nationals might be fighting in Putin's army.
- We have information indicating that there are significantly more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units than just the two, emphasised Zelensky. The captured Chinese citizens are currently in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine, where investigative and operational actions are being conducted.
China, while professing neutrality regarding the conflict in Ukraine, has not condemned the Russian aggression and opposes the sanctions imposed on Russia by the West. Authorities in Beijing and Moscow have strengthened cooperation in many areas, including the military.
