China responds to reports of Chinese citizens fighting in Ukraine

China has responded to allegations that two Chinese citizens were captured while fighting in eastern Ukraine.

In a statement issued on April 9, China’s foreign ministry said it was "verifying the situation" with Ukrainian authorities, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

The ministry emphasized that it has consistently advised its citizens to "stay away from areas of armed conflict" and refrain from involvement in any form of combat.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further details as they emerge," the statement concluded.

To recall, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces captured Chinese nationals during intense fighting in the Donetsk region. Speaking at a press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Zelenskyy revealed that the individuals were identified as Chinese military personnel, taken near the settlements of Tarasivka and Bilohorivka. Ukrainian forces recovered personal documents, including passports and credit cards, confirming their nationality.

Zelenskyy highlighted the significance of the discovery, stating, "There are documents, passports, and even credit cards. These are Chinese citizens. I believe this is an important detail. I think the US needs to pay more attention to what’s happening today." He suggested the development indicates further foreign support for Russia in the ongoing conflict, following similar involvement from Iran and North Korea.

"We cannot fight against multiple countries, all of which have interests in Ukrainian land," Zelenskyy emphasised. He urged the US to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine and called for China to respond to the situation. Zelenskyy instructed Ukrainian ministers to contact their Chinese counterparts for an explanation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev