Ukraine probes claims of Chinese soldiers aiding Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday that the Security Service of Ukraine is investigating the involvement of Chinese citizens in the war in Ukraine. He claims that Russia is systematically recruiting Chinese nationals into its army.
What you need to know?
- President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that at least 155 Chinese soldiers are fighting on the Russian side against Ukraine.
- Zelensky assures that the Security Service of Ukraine is actively investigating this matter.
- The authorities in Beijing have strongly denied Zelensky's claims, stating that he is "making irresponsible remarks."
The Security Service of Ukraine is conducting an investigation
"We continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the involvement of Chinese citizens in the Russian occupation forces," President Zelensky announced on his profile on platform X on Thursday.
He added that the Security Service of Ukraine is interrogating prisoners of war recently captured in the Donetsk region. "The Security Service of Ukraine is carrying out the necessary procedural actions with the POWs recently captured in the Donetsk region. At the same time, all information is being examined regarding the involvement of other such individuals in Russia’s actions against Ukraine," Zelensky wrote.
"Everything necessary must be done to ensure that Russia has no such and similar opportunities to prolong and expand the war," he added.
Ukrainians capture two Chinese fighting in the Russian army
Zelensky reported on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting on the Russian side in the Donetsk region, in eastern Ukraine. The following day, he stated that Ukrainian intelligence has information about 155 Chinese citizens fighting in the ranks of the Russian army against Ukraine.
He added that Beijing is aware of the recruitment of Chinese nationals for the war, as Russians are conducting it on popular social networks and are not hiding it at all.
China strongly denies these reports
China denies reports from Ukraine regarding the participation of Chinese citizens in the war in Ukraine.
As Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated on Thursday, the relevant parties are encouraged to adopt an honest and reasonable perspective on China and to refrain from making irresponsible comments.
