Ukrainian president says captured Chinese fighters are ‘not isolated cases’ as U.S. calls China a key enabler of Russian aggression
KYIV, Ukraine – April 9, 2025 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly demanded an explanation from Beijing after Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian troops in the embattled eastern Donetsk region. The individuals, taken prisoner during a recent frontline operation, are believed to be part of a growing contingent of foreign fighters aiding Russia’s war effort.
“These are not isolated cases,” Zelenskyy said during a press briefing on Wednesday. “We believe there are many more Chinese nationals fighting on the side of Russia. This is deeply concerning, and we are seeking urgent clarification from the Chinese government.”
The president’s statement marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Kyiv and Beijing, which has maintained an officially neutral stance since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The presence of Chinese fighters on the battlefield threatens to complicate China’s diplomatic balancing act and draw it further into the conflict.
Foreign Fighters in Focus
According to Ukrainian military intelligence, the two captured Chinese nationals were apprehended during combat operations near the city of Avdiivka, a flashpoint in the war-ravaged Donetsk region. While their identities have not been released pending investigation, officials say preliminary interrogations suggest they had entered Ukraine through Russian-occupied territory and were integrated into a Russian mercenary unit.
The two are reportedly being treated as prisoners of war and will be questioned further to determine the full extent of foreign involvement in Russian operations.
“We are analyzing how they were recruited, what their missions were, and what links exist between their presence and any possible state-level coordination,” said Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate.
Reports suggest that several hundred foreign nationals—from China, Nepal, and Central Asian countries—have been recruited by Russia as mercenaries over the past year, likely to offset growing manpower shortages amid a costly and prolonged war.
Kyiv Accuses Russia of Pulling China Into the War
President Zelenskyy directly accused Moscow of attempting to drag China into the war “either directly or indirectly,” a move he characterized as both dangerous and destabilizing.
“This is a calculated strategy by the Kremlin to internationalize the conflict and gain support from authoritarian states,” Zelenskyy said. “But it is not just our problem. This should concern the entire international community.”
Ukraine’s foreign ministry has sent a formal request to the Chinese government, demanding clarification on the presence of its citizens on the battlefield and assurances that Beijing is not aiding Russia militarily, even through indirect channels such as mercenary networks or state-linked private firms.
So far, there has been no official response from Beijing.
U.S. Reacts: ‘China is a Major Enabler’
The United States has reacted strongly to the development. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called the reports “disturbing” and reiterated Washington’s long-held position that China is playing a critical role in supporting Russia’s war economy.
“China is a major enabler of Russia in the war in Ukraine,” Bruce said during a press briefing. “Whether through the supply of dual-use technologies, economic support, or now—possibly—human resources, Beijing is complicit in prolonging this conflict.”
The U.S. has previously sanctioned Chinese companies accused of supplying drone components, microchips, and other dual-use items to Russia. With the emergence of potential Chinese combatants in Ukraine, pressure is likely to grow on the Biden administration to take further action.
Escalating Violence Across Ukraine
As diplomatic tensions rise, the situation on the ground remains dire. On Tuesday night, Russian forces launched a series of large-scale drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, striking civilian areas and causing widespread damage.
In Dnipro, one of the largest cities in central Ukraine, officials reported at least 14 injuries after a wave of Iranian-made Shahed drones triggered explosions and fires across residential neighborhoods. Several homes and vehicles were destroyed, and emergency responders worked through the night to contain the blazes.
Governor Serhiy Lysak of Dnipropetrovsk region confirmed the details in a Telegram post, noting that air defense systems were only partially successful in intercepting the drones.
Meanwhile, in the eastern city of Kharkiv, at least three more people were injured in similar attacks that struck power stations and critical infrastructure. Local authorities said that Russia appeared to be targeting Ukraine’s energy grid, a tactic frequently used during the previous winter to pressure the population and government.
Further south, the city of Kramatorsk also came under attack. Regional officials reported that a residential district was hit, injuring several residents and setting multiple buildings ablaze. The attacks are part of what analysts say is a renewed Russian push to destabilize Ukraine’s rear areas and exhaust its defensive capabilities.
A Dangerous Diplomatic Turn
The revelation of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia adds another complex layer to the war’s geopolitical dimensions. Although China has maintained public calls for peace, it has strengthened its economic ties with Russia since the war began, increasing bilateral trade and holding joint military exercises.
Beijing has also refused to condemn Russia’s invasion, while promoting a vague “peace plan” that Kyiv and its allies have criticized as lacking substance and favoring Russian interests.
“This is a moment of truth for China,” said Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States. “If Beijing truly wishes to be seen as a neutral party or peace broker, it must explain how its citizens ended up fighting in our country, in uniform, on the side of the aggressor.”
What Comes Next
As Kyiv continues to investigate the captured fighters and presses for a response from China, analysts warn that the situation could fuel further mistrust between East and West, with potential consequences for international diplomacy, sanctions, and military aid.
“If confirmed as a pattern, the involvement of Chinese nationals in combat roles for Russia would be a serious breach of international neutrality norms,” said Julian Spalding, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. “It could trigger wider sanctions and force nations to re-evaluate their relationships with Beijing.”
In the meantime, Ukraine braces for more attacks, both on the battlefield and in the geopolitical arena.
