Ukrainian forces clashed with six Chinese troops in eastern Ukraine, capturing two soldiers, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Tuesday.
In a statement to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky said he had instructed Ukrainian officials to seek an official explanation from China, which he accused of siding with Russia in its war against Ukraine.
He also expressed his expectation for a response from the United States.
Zelensky wrote on X alongside a video of one of the captured soldiers: "Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region.".
Chinese soldiers captured fighting in eastern Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky demands explanation from Xi Jinping
GETTY / X
"Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession. We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units than just these two."
"We are currently verifying all the facts—intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the relevant units of the Armed Forces are working on it.
"I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to immediately contact Beijing and clarify how China intends to respond to this.
"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. He is looking for ways to continue fighting.
"This definitely requires a response. A response from the United States, Europe, and all those around the world who want peace.
"The captured Chinese citizens are now in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine. Relevant investigative and operational actions are ongoing."
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This comes after President Zelensky confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian forces are operating in Russia's Belgorod border region.
He emphasised that the war must "return to where it came from," explaining that these incursions are defensive operations aimed at protecting Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv border regions.
Ukraine's top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, presented President Zelensky with a report detailing the situation on the frontline, including Ukraine's presence in the Kursk and Belgorod regions.
Zelensky stated: "We continue active operations in the enemy's border areas and this is absolutely justified."
This comes after President Zelensky confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian forces are operating in Russia's Belgorod border region
REUTERS
Last month, he mentioned "certain steps" taken by Ukraine's military in Russia "a little below the Kursk region," implying a presence in Belgorod.
Although this is the first official confirmation from Ukraine regarding its troops in Belgorod, Russian military bloggers had already reported clashes in the area in recent days.
Zelensky also highlighted that despite Russia's recent recapture of parts of Kursk, the operation had a specific objective.
"Thanks to the entire Kursk operation - we have managed to ease the pressure on other parts of the front, particularly in Donetsk region.
"It is absolutely crucial to keep destroying Russian equipment and all logistics used by the occupiers," he said.
