Zelensky says Ukraine captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia

President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Ukrainian troops had captured two Chinese citizens fighting alongside Russian forces and said Kyiv would demand an explanation from Beijing and a reaction from allies.

“Our military captured two Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army. This happened on the territory of Ukraine — in the Donetsk region. We have the documents of these prisoners, bank cards and personal data,” Zelensky says in a post on social media that included images of one of the alleged Chinese prisoners.

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, 2025