Zelenskyy Seeks Clarity from China After Ukrainian Forces Capture Chinese Nationals Fighting for Russia

Kyiv, April 9, 2025 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for an official explanation from Beijing after Ukrainian forces reportedly captured two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian troops in the eastern Donetsk region.

The Ukrainian leader said the detainees were part of a broader contingent of Chinese nationals embedded with Russian forces. "We are seeking clarification from the Chinese government regarding the presence of its citizens fighting in Ukraine. These are not isolated incidents," Zelenskyy stated. "Russia appears intent on drawing Beijing into this war, either directly or indirectly."

According to Ukrainian military sources, several hundred Chinese nationals may have joined Russian forces as mercenaries, alongside others from Nepal and various Central Asian countries. The presence of foreign fighters adds a complex layer to the ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year.

Reacting to the development, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the situation as “disturbing.” She remarked, “China is a major enabler of Russia in the war in Ukraine, and this only raises further concerns about their role and intentions.”

Meanwhile, Russian forces intensified their aerial assaults on Ukrainian cities late Tuesday, launching massive drone strikes on Dnipro and Kharkiv. The attacks triggered widespread fires and left at least 17 civilians injured, regional officials confirmed. In the heavily contested Donetsk region, shelling in Kramatorsk hit a residential district, injuring several residents.

Dnipro’s regional governor, Serhiy Lysak, reported that 14 people were injured in the city after drones struck homes and vehicles, sparking a large fire.

On the battlefield, Russia claims it is close to regaining full control of the western Kursk region, citing the recapture of the settlement of Guyevo. A video released by the Russian Defense Ministry showed dramatic footage of the area, including a Russian flag being raised over a damaged Orthodox church and troops conducting house-to-house sweeps. Ukrainian officials have yet to verify the claims but reported successful airstrikes targeting Russian drone facilities and maintenance operations in the same region.

In Washington, the U.S. Senate confirmed Elbridge Colby as the Pentagon’s top policy adviser, despite controversy over his past comments regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Colby, who had previously cast doubt on whether an invasion occurred, ultimately acknowledged Russia's aggression after repeated questioning during the confirmation process.

Diplomatic efforts are also underway, as U.S. and Russian delegates prepare to meet in Istanbul on Thursday. The talks aim to explore the restoration of embassy operations severely scaled back since the start of the war.