Presidential Office reacts to presence of Chinese troops in Ukraine
Photo: Mykhailo Podolyak, advisor to the head of the Presidential Office (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the head of the Presidential Office, commented on the possible participation of Chinese citizens in the war on Russia's side. China is unlikely to want to engage directly in the war because of its economic interests, said Podolyak in a commentary to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
Mykhailo Podolyak expressed concern about the possible involvement of Chinese citizens in the Ukraine war on the side of Russia.
In his commentary, he emphasized that the issue of Chinese presence in the conflict requires a thorough investigation and a clear response from the Chinese side.
"There are Chinese citizens who may have been living in the territory of the Russian Federation, for example, in the Far East - you understand, there are practically no Russians there, only Chinese. The question is under what conditions they took part in this war," Podolyak said.
He emphasized the importance of Ukraine raising this issue publicly, as it helps avoid situations where foreign nationals go unnoticed in the war and also prompts a reaction from China.
In particular, the advisor believes that China is unlikely to want to get involved in the war, as this could negatively affect its economic and political interests, especially in the context of global trade relations with Europe and the United States.
"Obviously, China is absolutely not interested in participating directly in this war like North Korea. And certainly, China will react more harshly to such cases. At least, we hope so," Podolyak stated.
He also noted that China's response to such statements will be critically important, and Ukraine should seek constructive cooperation with China to establish all the circumstances.
At the same time, Podolyak stressed that the situation should not resemble the presence of a North Korean contingent in Ukraine, which further complicates the situation.
Chinese soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces
On April 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces had captured Chinese soldiers during battles in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian troops obtained their documents and confirmed their identities.
The Chinese soldiers were captured near the settlements of Tarasivka and Bilohorivka, where Ukrainian troops engaged in combat with six Chinese military personnel. Two of them were taken prisoner.
The operation to capture the Chinese nationals was carried out by soldiers of the 81st Separate Airmobile Slobozhanska Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces.
More details are available in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
