President: Ukrainian military captures Chinese citizens amid intense Donetsk clashes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukrainian military forces captured Chinese citizens during intense fighting in the Donetsk region.

President Zelenskyy made these remarks during a press conference with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

The individuals have been identified, and their personal documents have been recovered. The captured Chinese nationals were taken near the settlements of Tarasivka and Bilohorivka, where Ukrainian forces clashed with a group of six Chinese military personnel.

Two of these individuals were taken into custody. Zelenskyy provided further details, stating that Ukrainian forces had obtained passports, credit cards, and other documents from the detainees, confirming their Chinese nationality.

"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," Zelenskyy remarked. 

The president also pointed out that this development serves as evidence of another country’s involvement in supporting Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

"This is another case after Iran and North Korean military involvement. But there are differences. The North Koreans fought against us on the Kursk front. The Chinese are fighting on Ukrainian territory. I believe this is an important issue that we need to discuss with our partners. I think it needs to be addressed urgently," said Zelenskyy.

He emphasised that while Ukraine is a strong nation, it cannot simultaneously fight against multiple countries, all of which have interests in Ukrainian land. 

Zelenskyy expressed hope that the US would strengthen its cooperation with Ukraine in light of this situation and take a more active stance in talks with Russia.

"We sincerely hope that China will also respond to this. I have instructed the foreign minister and defence minister to reach out to their Chinese counterparts and demand an explanation of these actions," he added.

By Naila Huseynova