Ukraine 'captures Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia' as Zelenskyy demands explanation

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that his country's military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army in Ukrainian territory.

It was already known that Russia had brought North Korean soldiers into its army for Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, which has entered its third year.

The BBC also reported last year that Indians had been hired as 'helpers' for the Russian army and ended up on the frontlines.

Now Zelenskyy has posted footage to social media as he has said that the Ukrainian military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting for Russia and demanded a response from China.

He wrote: "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 there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units than just these two. We are currently verifying all the facts—intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the relevant units of the Armed Forces are working on it.

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

"I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to immediately contact Beijing and clarify how China intends to respond to this.

"Russia's involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting. This definitely requires a response. A response from the United States, Europe, and all those around the world who want peace.

"The captured Chinese citizens are now in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine.

"Relevant investigative and operational actions are ongoing."

In the footage shared by Zelenskyy on social media the captured Chinese soldier described being attacked by a drone strike.

With his hands zip-tied together, the captured soldier appeared to describe explosions and his commander being wounded.

Earlier this month Russian dictator Vladimir Putin called up another 160,000 men into the Russian invasion effort.

Russia has rejected attempts to secure a ceasefire and recently launched missile strikes on the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown, killing 20 people including nine children.

Zelenskyy also recently confirmed that Ukrainian troops had once again counter-attacked into Russian territory in Belgorod.

Ukraine had previously managed to sent troops into Kursk but they have since been driven out of most of the territory they have taken.

Russia currently occupies about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory three years on from the beginning of their invasion.