Chinese Soldiers Captured Fighting for Russia in Ukraine, Zelenskyy Demands Global Response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dropped a bombshell on April 8, announcing that his forces have captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia on Ukrainian soil — a revelation that could deepen global tensions over Beijing’s role in the war.

“This happened in Donetsk. These are Chinese citizens fighting for the Russian army — not in Russia, but here in Ukraine,” Zelenskyy told reporters during a joint appearance with Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever. “We have their IDs, bank cards, and full personal data. And we believe there are many more.”

The men were taken into custody near the frontline villages of Tarasivka and Bilohorivka after Ukrainian forces clashed with a group of six Chinese fighters. The two are now being held by Ukraine’s Security Service as intelligence agencies dig deeper into what Kyiv calls a “pattern” of foreign involvement on Russia’s side.

In response, Ukraine summoned China’s charge d’affaires and demanded immediate clarification. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said,“Chinese citizens fighting as part of Russia's invasion army in Ukraine puts into question China’s declared stance for peace.”

The discovery comes amid growing suspicions about China’s indirect support for Moscow. While Beijing denies sending weapons to Russia, it has expanded trade and provided dual-use goods that can be used for military production — all while publicly insisting on neutrality.

“This is not just another headline. This is China’s military footprint inside Ukraine,” said Zelenskyy, warning that global silence would only encourage further escalation. “We need a reaction — from the U.S., Europe, and everyone who still wants peace.”

The news echoes earlier revelations that thousands of North Korean troops have fought for Russia. Last fall, Pyongyang reportedly sent up to 12,000 soldiers to Russia’s Kursk region to help push back a Ukrainian cross-border offensive. Around 4,000 North Korean casualties have been recorded, two-thirds of them fatal, according to Ukrainian intelligence.

“There’s a difference,” Zelensky said. “The North Koreans fought in Russia. The Chinese are fighting here — in Ukraine.”

A video released by Zelensky on X shows one of the captured Chinese soldiers in custody, sparking comparisons to footage published three months ago of North Korean POWs.

The announcement comes as Ukrainian troops expand operations into Russia’s Belgorod region, with Zelensky calling it a justified counteroffensive: “War must return to where it came from.”