Ukraine captures 2 Chinese soldiers who fight for Putin, says Zelenskyy – Politico

According to Zelenskyy, the two soldiers were captured in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine and had “documents … bank cards, personal data”.

“The involvement by Russia of China directly or indirectly in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin will do something other than to put an end to war. He seeks means of continuing to fight,” warned the Ukrainian president. “This definitively requires a reaction. The reaction of the United States, Europe and all in the world that is peaceful. ”

Despite its official neutrality position, Beijing was accused of having secretly supplied Russia with weapons and components for drone production, while reducing drone supplies to Ukraine. China denies the accusations.

The soldiers captured are the first prisoners of war in Ukraine from China. Bloggers of the Russian war have however pointed out that Chinese volunteers have been fighting for the Kremlin since at least March 2024, alongside volunteers from Cuba, Colombia and many other countries.

Foreign volunteers from many countries are also fighting for Ukraine.

Earlier this year, Ukraine also captured two North Korean soldiers fighting alongside the Russians, as part of an official military link between Moscow and Pyongyang.