Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.
Ukrainian troops have captured two Chinese nationals who were fighting in the ranks of the Russian military against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 8.
“We have information that there are much more than two such Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units,” Zelensky said. “We have the documents of these prisoners, bank cards, personal data.”
The captured men are being held by Ukraine’s Security Service, according to Zelensky. He instructed Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to urgently contact Beijing to determine how Chinese officials will respond.
Zelensky said the apparent recruitment of Chinese nationals — whether direct or indirect — highlights the Kremlin’s commitment to continuing its aggression.
“We definitely need a reaction to this. A reaction from the United States, Europe and everyone in the world who wants peace,” he added.
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
China has been a key strategic partner to Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion, expanding trade and becoming Moscow’s top supplier of dual-use goods used in weapons production.
Zelensky’s statement follows the earlier deployment of up to 12,000 North Korean troops to Kursk Oblast last fall to support Russian forces in repelling a Ukrainian cross-border incursion.
Ukrainian troops initially captured around 1,300 square kilometers before being pushed back in a counteroffensive reinforced by North Korean units. The town of Sudzha was among the territories retaken.
According to Zelensky, North Korean units fighting for Russia have suffered around 4,000 casualties, two-thirds of them killed.
In response, Pyongyang reportedly transferred an additional 3,000 soldiers to Russia in January and February to replenish losses, AP reported on March 27.
Trump ‘not happy’ with Russian bombing of Ukraine, says he ‘doesn’t know what’s happening there’
Trump has expressed frustration with Russia’s deadly missile attacks on Ukraine but has yet to take any concrete action against the Kremlin.
