Is China in support of Russia?

President Zelensky said that Ukrainian troops captured two Chinese nationals who were fighting alongside Russian forces in the Donetsk.

This is the first time Ukraine has formally claimed that Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russia. The disclosure has sparked grave worries about potential foreign intervention in the continuing war.

Ukraine accuses China of Involvement in Russia’s war effort

Following the capture of the two Chinese fighters in Donetsk, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, raised serious concerns about China’s role in the conflict.

He said the presence of Chinese troops on Ukrainian soil directly challenges China’s public claim of supporting peace. In response, Ukraine summoned China’s ambassador in Kyiv to provide clarification.

This marks the first official accusation from Ukraine suggesting that China may be supplying personnel to aid Russia’s military. Russia has not commented on the matter, maintaining silence after Zelensky’s announcement.

Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry responded by saying it is working to verify the situation with Ukrainian authorities. They reiterated that China consistently advises its citizens to avoid involvement in armed conflicts.

President Zelensky stated on the social media site X that Ukrainian forces had apprehended two Chinese soldiers in the Donetsk area, along with identification documents and bank cards that contained personal information.

Zelensky said Ukrainian soldiers had engaged six Chinese fighters in combat and captured two of them. The post included a video showing one of the detained individuals in handcuffs, speaking Mandarin and apparently describing a recent combat.

“We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just these two,” Zelensky stated. He further warned, “Russia’s involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war.”

Beijing rejects Ukraine’s claim

China has pushed back firmly against Ukraine’s recent claims that a number of Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces. On Wednesday, a spokesperson from Beijing dismissed the allegations as baseless.

“Ukraine’s claim that significant numbers of Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russia’s invading army is ‘totally unfounded,’” said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry.

He added that China has consistently aimed to help resolve the war through diplomacy, not deepen it. “China has played a ‘constructive role in politically resolving the Ukraine crisis,’” Lin stated during a daily press briefing.

He also emphasized that China has always advised its citizens to stay far from war zones. “The Chinese government always asks Chinese citizens to stay away from conflict zones, avoid getting involved in any form of armed conflict, and especially refrain from participating in any party’s military operations,” he added.

Although China has maintained trade with Russia and provided diplomatic support, there is no public proof that China has sent troops or military hardware to relieve any of the economic pressure on Moscow. According to Lin’s remarks, Beijing most certainly did not authorize any Chinese nationals found fighting in Ukraine.

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