Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a serious accusation, claiming that two Chinese nationals were captured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. In a post shared on X, Zelenskyy released a video of one of the captured individuals and urged China to respond to the development.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian forces seized identification documents, bank cards, and other personal information from the two individuals, who are now in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy calls for answers from China

“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,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.”

He further suggested the possibility of more Chinese nationals being involved, saying, “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 Armed Forces are working on it.”

Ukraine escalates the matter diplomatically

Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine’s Foreign Minister had been instructed to reach out to China for an explanation. “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,” he said.

He called for a response not just from Beijing, but from the global community. “This definitely requires a response—from the United States, Europe, and all those around the world who want peace.”

While it remains unclear whether the individuals captured were formal Chinese soldiers or acting independently, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has summoned Beijing’s chargé d’affaires in Kyiv to condemn the incident and seek clarification, according to CNN.