Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture of two Chinese nationals fighting with Russian forces in eastern Donetsk, revealing that “significantly more” Chinese individuals may be involved in the conflict. This development follows Ukraine’s consistent concerns about foreign combatants participating in the war. China has not provided any immediate comment on the situation, and its involvement remains ambiguous, especially as Russia allows foreign nationals to join its military, a policy mirrored by Ukraine.
Zelenskyy has urged his foreign minister to reach out to Beijing regarding this issue, as these Chinese nationals represent a concerning shift in military support for Russia, joining allies like Iran and North Korea, known for supplying military equipment and personnel respectively.
Chinese diplomatic ties with Russia have strengthened since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with Beijing offering significant economic support and resources. The clash between Ukrainian and Chinese troops reportedly occurred near Tarasivka and Bilohorivka, where a skirmish led to the capture of the two Chinese soldiers.
In response to the situation, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, summoned the Chinese chargé d’affaires to seek clarification, emphasising that the presence of Chinese nationals in combat raises questions about China’s commitment to peace. Zelenskyy even shared video evidence showing one of the captured individuals recounting the hostilities in eastern Ukraine.
Additionally, amid ongoing battles, Zelenskyy addressed a press conference, disclosing new military aid pledges from Belgium amounting to €1 billion, while asserting plans for enhanced defensive collaboration with Belgian investors.
Russia, on the other hand, has dismissed a US proposal for a ceasefire, and both parties appear poised for renewed confrontations in the upcoming spring and summer. Russian military activities recently resulted in casualties in Ukraine, and Russian officials have claimed victories in the Kursk region. Here, they stated they had recaptured a village previously held by Ukrainians, as reported by the Ministry of Defence.
Furthermore, Ukrainian forces have begun conducting operations in Russia’s Belgorod region, aiming to undermine Russian positions near the border. Confirmations from a Ukrainian regiment indicate the destruction of strategic targets within Belgorod, showcasing an escalation in cross-border military actions. This increasingly complex conflict reflects a fierce struggle on both sides, with external influences further complicating the situation.