Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that more than 150 Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, an escalation of the ongoing conflict, according to reports.
During his Wednesday evening address, Zelenskyy reported that two Chinese citizens were lately detained by Ukrainian forces in Donetsk, as they were found to carry documents and personal belongings. “This move should be countered decisively by the U.S. and its Western partners,” he demanded, calling on Washington to take action.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry footed, claims he are minimal and asked citizens not to part in foreign conflicts. Beijing maintained its non-belligerent stance and urged for a peaceful solution.
Russian forces continue to incorporate the recruiting of Chinese nationals on social media to receive training and be sent to Moscow, the President stated. He said the captured Chinese were more free and open than previous North Korean captive soldiers, so he’d have more understanding of Russian indoctrination techniques.
The news comes as Russia escalates its attacks on Ukraine’s Sumy and Kharkiv regions, General Oleksandr Syrskyi said. Meanwhile russian troops launched 145 Shahed drones into Ukraine in the past night, 4 civilian was among those, several were wounded, in Kyiv and nearby areas.
If true, China’s alleged indirect military backing would be a major geopolitical development turning it into the second country, after North Korea, to provide direct support to Russia’s invasion.
The Kremlin has not reacted to Zelenskyy’s allegations yet. NBC News has not confirmed the Ukrainian numbers.
