China verifies information on prisoners who fought on the side of the Russians
9 April 2025 14:50
China says it is working with Ukraine to verify reports that two Chinese citizens fought on the side of the Russian army in Donetsk region.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said this at a briefing on April 9, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
“China is verifying information with the Ukrainian side. I would like to emphasize that the Chinese authorities have always urged Chinese citizens to stay away from conflict zones, avoid any involvement in armed conflicts and, in particular, avoid participation in any military operations,” he said.
Lin Jian said that China’s position on the Russian-Ukrainian war “is clear” and the Ukrainian side “should correctly understand Chinese efforts to politically resolve the Ukrainian crisis.”
What is known about the Chinese prisoners?
Two Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army in Donetsk region were captured by Ukraine. They are already in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine. Ukraine has their documents, bank cards, and personal data.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga to immediately contact Beijing and find out how China is going to respond.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already summoned China’s chargé d’affaires in Ukraine to get an explanation.
Zelensky said that Ukraine has information about the involvement of more than two Chinese in the Russian occupation army.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said that the participation of Chinese citizens in the Russian army “calls into question China’s proclaimed position on peace and undermines Beijing’s authority as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council.”
