EU responds to Chinese soldiers' involvement in Ukraine war
Illustrative photo: Chinese soldiers participating in the war against Ukraine (Getty Images)
The involvement of Chinese soldiers in the war against Ukraine does not mean that the Chinese military is engaged in combat. However, China remains the primary sponsor of the war, according to the EU's head of diplomacy Kaja Kallas' statement during a press conference with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's head of diplomacy, confirmed that the EU had discussed the news about the capture of Chinese nationals by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, she emphasized that this does not mean the Chinese military is directly involved in the war. She pointed out that China could share relevant information regarding the situation.
Kallas also stated that without China's support, Russia would not be able to conduct the war on such a large scale, noting that 80% of dual-use goods reach Russia through China.
She added that if China truly wanted to stop supporting the war, it would have an impact.
Chinese captured by Ukrainian Forces
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on April 8 that Ukrainian forces had captured Chinese citizens during combat operations in Donetsk. It was later revealed that six Chinese nationals were involved in a clash with Ukrainian soldiers, two of whom were taken as prisoners.
The operation was carried out by the 81st Separate Airborne Slohobzhansk Brigade of the Ukrainian Airborne Forces.
Sources within Ukraine's security services later provided the identities and ages of the two Chinese prisoners.
