On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese citizens fighting alongside Russian troops in the Donetsk region.
The revelation escalates tensions in the ongoing war, spotlighting China’s ties with Moscow. “Our military captured two Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army,” Zelensky posted on social media, sharing a video of one prisoner.
The footage shows a man in military gear, hands tied, speaking limited Mandarin and mimicking combat sounds during an interview with a Ukrainian official. Zelensky added, “We have their documents, bank cards, and personal data,” hinting at more Chinese involvement. A senior Ukrainian official told AFP the men were likely lured by Russian contracts, not sent by Beijing, with their capture occurring days ago.
WATCH 🔶
Zelensky: We have captured two Chinese soldiers on Ukrainian territory.
We have their documents, even credit cards. They are citizens of China.
I believe the United States of America needs to pay more attention to what is happening today pic.twitter.com/aW7lmnYE3Z
— Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) April 8, 2025Kyiv and US Demand Answers
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga summoned China’s charge d’affaires, slamming the incident as a blow to Beijing’s claimed neutrality. “Chinese citizens in Russia’s army undermine Beijing’s credibility,” Sybiga said. Zelensky called it a “clear signal” of Russia’s relentless war push, urging China to clarify its stance.
Ukraine just captured two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia.
This war has now unlocked the ‘WTF multiplayer’ expansion pack. pic.twitter.com/RZcxOG2lf1
— Bandera Fella *-^ (@banderafella) April 8, 2025The US echoed Kyiv’s alarm. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce labeled it “disturbing,” noting, “China provides nearly 80% of Russia’s dual-use items for the war.” Washington has long criticized Beijing’s support, despite China’s insistence it’s not supplying lethal aid.
Read: Zelensky Pushes for Security Guarantees from Allies
Moscow and Beijing’s “no limits” partnership, forged since Russia’s 2022 invasion, faces scrutiny as Ukraine presses Western allies—recently over North Korean troops in Kursk. Meanwhile, overnight Russian drone strikes injured 20 across Dnipro, Kramatorsk, and Kharkiv, hitting civilian targets, per local officials..
