According to Zelenskyy, the two soldiers were captured in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region and possessed “documents … bank cards, personal data.”
“Russia’s involvement of China directly or indirectly in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin is going to do anything but end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting,” the Ukrainian president warned. “This definitely needs a reaction. The reaction of the United States, Europe and everyone in the world who wants there to be peace.”
Despite its official stance of neutrality, Beijing has been accused of covertly supplying Russia with weapons and components for drone production, while cutting drone supplies to Ukraine. China denies the accusations.
The captured soldiers are Ukraine’s first reported POWs from China. Russian war bloggers have, however, reported Chinese volunteers fighting for the Kremlin since at least March 2024, alongside volunteers from Cuba, Colombia and many other countries.
Foreign volunteers from numerous countries also fight for Ukraine.
Earlier this year, Ukraine also captured two North Korean soldiers fighting alongside the Russians, as part of an official military link-up between Moscow and Pyongyang.