China investigates capture of nationals in Russia-Ukraine conflict
We are verifying these reports in cooperation with the Ukrainian side, assured the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was his comment on the reports about the capture of two Chinese citizens fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine.
What you need to know
- What happened? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region.
- How is China reacting? The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by spokesperson Lin Jian, is verifying these reports through cooperation with Ukraine.
- What are the next steps? The captured Chinese citizens are currently in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine, where investigations are being conducted.
Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Beijing is closely monitoring and verifying reports of the capture of two Chinese citizens who supported the Russian army in Ukraine.
We are verifying these reports in cooperation with the Ukrainian side, announced Lin Jian during a press briefing.
He added that the Chinese government consistently advises its citizens to avoid areas with armed conflicts and to abstain from participating in military activities.
Are there more Chinese citizens in the occupying forces?
President Zelensky noted that, according to information from Ukrainian forces, more Chinese nationals might be fighting in Putin's army.
We have information that there are significantly more Chinese citizens in the occupying forces than just the two, emphasized Zelensky. The captured Chinese citizens are currently in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine, where investigative and operational actions are being taken.
China, despite professed neutrality toward the conflict in Ukraine, has not condemned the Russian aggression and opposes the sanctions imposed on Russia by the West. Authorities in Beijing and Moscow have strengthened cooperation in many areas, including the military.
