Kyiv| Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned China’s chargé d’affaires in Kyiv following claims that two Chinese nationals were captured while allegedly fighting for Russian forces in the embattled Donbass region, intensifying tensions and raising questions about Beijing’s stated neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga made the announcement on Tuesday, asserting that the alleged development contradicts China’s professed stance as a neutral actor and peacemaker.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Sibiga said the incident “puts into question China’s declared stance for peace and undermines Beijing’s credibility as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council.”
Earlier the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that his country’s military had detained two individuals identified as Chinese citizens during operations in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR)—a region Kyiv still considers part of Ukraine despite its annexation by Russia in 2022 following disputed referendums.
In a video posted online, Zelenskyy shared footage of a man in military uniform making unintelligible sounds and gestures, which he presented as evidence of the capture.
He added that Ukrainian forces had also recovered identification documents, bank cards, and other personal items belonging to the alleged combatants.
“We are currently verifying the facts,” Zelensky said, calling for a prompt and firm response from the United States, European Union, and “anyone who wants peace.”
The DPR is one of four Ukrainian territories that Moscow claims to have absorbed following a series of referenda condemned as illegitimate by Kyiv and much of the international community.
Despite Russia’s assertions of sovereignty over these regions, Ukraine and most Western nations continue to view them as illegally occupied Ukrainian territory.
Neither Beijing nor Moscow has commented publicly on the allegations, and there has been no immediate response from Washington, Brussels, or other key international players.
The Chinese Embassy in Ukraine has also remained silent on the matter as of Wednesday morning.
This is not the first time Kyiv has accused foreign powers of materially supporting Russia’s war effort.
Ukrainian officials have previously alleged that Iran supplied drones to Russia and that North Korea had sent troops or military trainers to aid Moscow. U.S. and allied intelligence have at times supported these claims, with Washington stating that up to 12,000 North Korean personnel might have been deployed in support roles within Russia, potentially in preparation for more direct involvement.
Both Iran and North Korea have denied these accusations. Tehran has maintained it supports neither side in the conflict, while Pyongyang has not publicly addressed the troop deployment claims.
Nevertheless, a security pact signed between Russia and North Korea last year included mutual defense commitments, which Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized as the sovereign right of both nations to determine the nature and scope of their cooperation.
The current allegations involving Chinese nationals, if substantiated, could represent a significant shift in perceptions of China’s role in the Ukraine conflict.
While Beijing has consistently called for peace and dialogue, Western powers have expressed skepticism over its neutrality, especially given its growing strategic alignment with Moscow.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry’s demand for clarification underscores Kyiv’s intent to press for diplomatic accountability amid its broader efforts to maintain international support in the face of an entrenched and evolving war.
As the investigation into the alleged capture continues, the situation places additional strain on already complex geopolitical dynamics involving major global powers, with potential ramifications for diplomatic relations and conflict mediation efforts.
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