In a significant development in the ongoing war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the capture of two Chinese nationals who were reportedly fighting for the Russian army in the eastern Donetsk region. This marks the first official accusation by Ukraine that China is providing manpower to aid Russia in its invasion.

According to President Zelensky, the two men were apprehended during combat operations and were found in possession of identification documents and bank cards containing personal data. He revealed that Ukrainian forces engaged a group of six Chinese soldiers, successfully capturing two of them. The incident took place in the contested Donetsk region, a hotspot in the prolonged conflict.

A video shared by Zelensky on the social media platform X shows one of the alleged Chinese captives handcuffed and speaking in Mandarin Chinese. In the footage, the man appears to describe a recent battle, further reinforcing Ukraine’s claims of Chinese involvement on the frontlines.

President Zelensky stated that intelligence reports indicate the presence of many more Chinese nationals serving within Russian military units. “We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just these two,” he said.

Reacting to the incident, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized China’s apparent involvement. He argued that the presence of Chinese troops on Ukrainian soil contradicts China’s professed stance as a proponent of peace. He also confirmed that the Chinese envoy in Kyiv has been summoned for an official explanation.

Neither Moscow nor Beijing has issued a response to these explosive claims at this time. If confirmed, the revelations could have serious implications for China’s diplomatic position and its relations with both Russia and Ukraine.