Beijing calls Kiev's statements on Chinese soldiers detained in Ukraine "unfounded"

On Wednesday, Beijing denounced "unfounded" accusations by Kiev that "many more" Chinese nationals are fighting with Russian forces against Ukraine, following the capture of two nationals of the Asian country.

"China's position on the Ukrainian crisis is clear and unequivocal, and has the broad support of the international community," said Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman at a regular press briefing.

On Wednesday, the Kremlin also refused to comment on Kiev's alleged capture of two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region.

Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters he could not comment on the matter when asked to respond to Ukraine's claims.

The statement from China and Russia came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that his troops had captured two Chinese fighters fighting alongside Russian forces and demanded explanations from the Beijing government.

Ukraine says there are "many more Chinese citizens" in Ukraine

"Our military captured two Chinese citizens fighting with the Russian army. It happened on Ukrainian territory, in the Donetsk region. We have the documents of these prisoners, bank cards and personal data," Zelensky said on social networks.

The Ukrainian leader suggested in his message that there were "many more Chinese citizens" fighting along with the Russian troops. He added that the Security Service of Ukraine, and relevant units of the Armed Forces were investigating the issue, according to Zelensky.

Ukrainian statements on China's position on the war

The Ukrainian president assured that he had instructed the Ukrainian Foreign Minister to "immediately" contact Beijing and clarify China's position.

"China's involvement by Russia, along with other countries, either directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear sign that Putin intends to do anything but end the war," the Ukrainian replied on his X profile.

He also suggested that such actions should have a response from countries like the US and the rest of Europe.

"Chinese citizens fighting as part of the Russian invasion army in Ukraine calls into question China's stated pro-peace stance and undermines Beijing's credibility as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriï Sybiga said on X.

The captured Chinese nationals are now in the custody of the Ukrainian Security Service. He also released a video showing the two alleged Chinese prisoners.