Russian mercenaries or Beijing conscripts? Truth about Chinese nationals nabbed by Ukraine
Xi Jinping and Volodymyr Zelenskyy | Reuters, AP
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia were captured by Kyiv in eastern Ukraine. Reports have suggested that the Chinese nationals might not be officially fighting under Beijing's banner.
“Our military captured two Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army. This happened on the territory of Ukraine, in the Donetsk region,” Zelenskyy posted on social media.
Earlier, Ukraine had captured North Korean soldiers who were fighting officially under Pyongyang military. More than 11,000 North Koreans are reportedly assisting Moscow in Kursk as part of a deal between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un. However, they were fighting within Russian territory and did not cross into Ukraine.
Though Ukrainian authorities has recovered the two Chinese men's documents, cards and personal information, reports suggest that they might not be deployed officially by Beijing. A Western official quoted by The Telegraph said, "We’re not seeing evidence of state sponsorship here."
Zelenskyy has directed Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to contact Beijing officials, seeking a response to the capture of its citizens. The Ukrainian leader also sought reactions from the US, Europe and "everyone in the world who wants peace."
It is believed that more Chinese citizens are fighting for Moscow in the same unit. Zelenskyy said Kyiv's armed forces and the Security Service of Ukraine are verifying the facts currently.
Earlier, THE WEEK reported that several Indian nationals, who went to Russia seeking jobs as electricians, plumbers and cooks, were forced to enlist as mercenaries. However, it is not clear if the captured Chinese fighters were forced to fight as mercenaries or enlisted on their own.
Ukraine has also been recruiting volunteers from the US, the UK and France to fight for its cause. THE WEEK had earlier reported from Ukraine about two Indians -- Andrii and Naveen -- who had been fighting for Ukraine.
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