Zelensky claims two Chinese nationals have been captured fighting for Russia in Ukraine

In a message to Telegram on Tuesday evening, Zelensky claimed that two Chinese citizens were caught in a battle involving several other Chinese soldiers, all fighting as part of the Russian Army in Donjeck.

Beijing has become Russia's close ally since Moscow began its full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

However, China is positioned as neutral in this conflict, has proposed its own peace plans to end the war, and is not publicly known to have directly helped the Kremlin in the war.

In an exclusive report in February, Radio Free Europe (REL) identified via a Russian Defence Ministry database the name of a Chinese citizen who claimed to have fought for Russia, though he refused to provide further details.

“We have documents of these prisoners, bank cards and personal data”, Zelensky said in a post in Telegram that included images of one of the Chinese soldiers allegedly captured.

China's Foreign Ministry has yet to comment publicly on Zelensky's claim, which did not elaborate on who commanded these soldiers.

Ukrainian leader said the initial data suggests that more Chinese citizens may be present in Russian military units operating in Ukraine and that the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and other military units are actively working “to confirm the extent of Chinese involvement in war.

Chinese citizens currently detained are in the care of SBU, where investigative and operational procedures are under way.

The inclusion of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is clear indication that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is not meant to end the” war, Zelensky wrote.

Hours ago, Zelensky publicly admitted for the first time that Ukrainian troops are holding positions within Russia's Belgorod region, as Ukraine continues to honour several children killed in a Russian air strike last week, REL reports, broadcast Periscope.

Zelensky has called for international pressure and stronger measures to prevent Moscow from continuing such attacks.

Ukrainian officials said the missile used had crushed ammunition to cause as many victims on earth, with “irresponsibly ignoring the lives of civilians”, according to UN human rights chief Volker Turk.