Ukraine's National Security Council comments on involvement of Chinese military in war
Photo: Andriy Kovalenko, Head of the Centre for Countering Disinformation (Getty Images)
China publicly supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Therefore, the involvement of Chinese military personnel in the war against Ukraine contradicts China's official position, stated Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Counteracting Disinformation of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.
"Chinese mercenaries within the Russian army in the war in Europe contradict Beijing's public peacekeeping statements. This will require a response," Kovalenko emphasized.
He stressed that China cannot ignore the involvement of its soldiers in the war against Ukraine, as the Chinese government has expressed a completely different public position.
"Chinese soldiers are on the sovereign territory of Ukraine as part of Russian occupation forces, while China publicly supports the territorial integrity of our state," Kovalenko added.
Chinese military captured
On April 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian forces had captured two Chinese citizens who fought alongside Russia in Donetsk region.
The President stated that the actual number of Chinese nationals fighting against Ukraine is much higher.
Zelenskyy clarified that Ukrainian defenders engaged in combat with six Chinese soldiers, with only two of them being captured.
He noted that another country is militarily supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine in this way.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs' response
In light of this, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Chinese charge d'affaires to demand an explanation regarding the involvement of Chinese citizens in the war on Russia's side.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized that Ukraine strongly condemns Russia's recruitment of Chinese citizens to fight and their participation in hostilities.
The Minister added that the involvement of Chinese nationals in the war against Ukraine raises doubts about China's stance on peace and undermines trust in Beijing as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council.
