Two Chinese citizens captured during fighting in eastern Ukraine, Zelenskyy says

Volodymyr Zelenskyy says two Chinese citizens have been captured while fighting in eastern Ukraine.

He said his forces had fought six Chinese soldiers and two of them had been taken prisoner. He added he had ordered officials to obtain an explanation from Beijing.

"We have information that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units than just two. We are now finding out all the facts," he added.

As it happened: Zelenskyy demands reaction from US China is an ally of Russia and has been accused of helping its war in Ukraine, though Beijing has repeatedly denied allegations that it has supplied Kremlin forces with weapons. "Russia's involvement of China in this war in Europe, directly or indirectly, is a clear signal that Putin is going to do anything but end the war," Mr Zelenskyy said.

"He is looking for ways to continue the war." Mr Zelenskyy described China as having joined Russia's war against Ukraine and said he expected the US to react. There was no immediate comment from China.

Fighters of various nationalities have joined Russia's army during the war, often in return for promises of large sums of money. This does not represent official interventions by their home countries.

North Korea has also sent thousands of its troops to support Russia. After Mr Zelenskyy's announcement, the Ukrainian foreign minister said he had summoned China's diplomat for an explanation, saying on social media the presence of Chinese citizens in Russia puts Beijing's stance for peace into question.

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