Ukraine Summons Chinese Diplomat Over Nationals Fighting for Russian Forces

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has summoned China’s chargé d’affaires in Kyiv following reports that Chinese nationals have joined Russian forces in combat against Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the government is seeking explanations from Beijing and has condemned the participation of Chinese citizens in Russia’s war effort.

“We have summoned China’s chargé d’affaires in Ukraine to the Foreign Ministry to condemn this fact and demand an explanation,” Sybiha wrote on X. “Chinese citizens fighting as part of Russia’s invasion army in Ukraine puts into question China’s declared stance for peace and undermines Beijing’s credibility as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council.”

Ukraine views the presence of foreign nationals, including citizens of China, among Russian troops as a violation of international norms and a challenge to China’s stated neutrality.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry emphasized that this development raises concerns about China’s role in global security discussions and its commitment to peaceful war resolution as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Earlier on April 8, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces had captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russian forces in the Donetsk region. According to Zelenskyy, the detainees’ documents and belongings were recovered, and they are currently in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine. He added that Ukrainian intelligence is investigating the potential presence of more Chinese citizens within Russian units.

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