Chinese citizens serving in the Russian army have been taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces on the front for the first time. President Volodymyr Zelensky posted about their capture on X, complete with a video showing his Chinese prisoner of war.
“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. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession,” he wrote, adding that “many more” are reportedly on the ground and that his government would reach out to Beijing for an explanation.
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. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.
We have information suggesting that… pic.twitter.com/ekBr6hCkQL
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 8, 2025Assuming these soldiers were acting not as mercenaries but on orders from the Chinese government, the implications are severe. Not only would this mean that China is officially allied with Russia but also that Putin has no intention of abiding by a ceasefire or finding peace.
“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,” Zelensky also wrote.
China has consistently denied sending weapons or combat troops to Russia’s aid. Beijing is Moscow’s strategic partner, but says it is merely seeking to play the role of a neutral mediator.
According to British military analyst Michael Clarke, cited by Magyar Nemzet, “If it’s just Chinese mercenaries, it’s extremely embarrassing for Beijing, but it doesn’t have many legal consequences. However, if they were fighting on behalf of a state, that would raise serious international legal issues.”
Zelensky has also called on the United States and its Western allies to respond to the developments.
North Korean soldiers have been on the ground helping Russian forces since last year. Meanwhile, Zelensky has also recently confirmed that Ukrainian units were carrying out offensive operations in the Belgorod region of Russia.
