Chinese soldiers caught fighting for Putin in Ukraine, Zelensky claims
Alleged Chinese soldier captured by Ukrainian forces in Donetsk. President Zelensky said two had been captured (Zelensky/Telegram)
Ukrainian forces engaged with six Chinese troops in the Donetsk region, capturing two, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, who shared footage of one detainee on X.
Kyiv has demanded an explanation from Beijing, stating that the incident undermines China's credibility as a responsible member of the UN Security Council.
The clash occurred near Tarasivka and Bilohorivka in Donetsk, marking potentially the most significant involvement of foreign fighters since North Koreans assisted Russian troops in Kursk.
Analysts suggest the involvement of Chinese troops could indicate Russian manpower shortages, with Moscow potentially using foreign mercenaries to avoid domestic conscription and potential rebellion.
Experts believe Zelensky may be seeking to drive a wedge between Washington and Moscow, capitalising on the Trump administration's hostile stance towards China to gain stronger US support for Ukraine.