Capture of Chinese citizens who fought as part of the Russian army: Beijing is investigating the situation

Beijing is checking the situation with the capture in Ukraine of two Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said during a briefing on Wednesday, UNN reports, citing RTHK.

Details

"Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian troops captured two Chinese citizens who fought on the side of the Russian army in Donetsk region in the east. The Foreign Ministry in Beijing said that China is checking the relevant situation with Ukraine," the publication reads.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that "the Chinese government has always demanded that its citizens stay away from armed conflict zones, avoid participating in armed conflicts in any form, and especially avoid participating in military operations of any party."

"Zelenskyy accused even more Chinese citizens of helping Russia in the war. Lin Jian said that the statement is unfounded. China's position on the Ukrainian crisis is clear and unambiguous, and is widely recognized by the international community. Ukraine should properly assess China's efforts and constructive role in the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis," the publication reads.

Context

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian soldiers captured two Chinese citizens in Donetsk region who fought in the Russian army. Currently, intelligence, the SBU, and relevant units of the Armed Forces are working with them.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the capture of two Chinese citizens in Donbas by the Defense Forces. According to him, they participated in the fighting on the side of Russia, which is an important signal for the United States.

Ukraine summoned the temporary representative of China in Kyiv due to the participation of Chinese citizens in the war on the side of Russia. The Foreign Ministry stressed that this undermines confidence in Beijing and casts doubt on their position on peace.

The spokeswoman of the US State Department USA indicated that Washington knows that Ukraine has captured two Chinese citizens who fought on the side of Russia in Ukraine, calling it "alarming".