Volodymyr Zelensky’s claims that Chinese troops have been fighting in Ukraine may pose a significant development, months after it emerged that North Korean troops were supporting the Russian war effort.
The question whether it is treated by the international community as direct nChinese involvement in the Russian war effort – as in the case of the North Korean troops who fought with Russian forces in Kursk.
Today’s video published by Mr Zelensky on X, showing a Chinese soldier in Ukrainian captivity, is reminiscent of a video which emerged nearly three months ago – when the first North Korean prisoners of war were captured.
North Korea sent around 12,000 troops to Russia to help Moscow’s forces to reclaim much of the Kursk region, where Ukraine had seized large swathes of territory.
Although the picture today is not as clear cut as it was in the case of North Korea – with evidence showing thousands of North Korean troops fighting in Kursk – Mr Zelensky claims there are “many more” Chinese troops fighting within Ukraine’s borders.
Alex Croft8 April 2025 14:42
The Ukrainian foreign minister has condemned the alleged involvement of Chinese troops in the war in Ukraine.
“Chinese citizens fighting as part of Russia’s invasion army in Ukraine puts into question China’s declared stance for peace and undermines Beijing’s credibility as a responsible permanent member of the UN Security Council,” Kyiv’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X.
Alex Croft8 April 2025 14:19
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that Chinese citizens have been engaged in Russia’s war effort against Ukraine.
Here are his comments in full:
“Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.
“We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just these two. We are currently verifying all the facts—intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the relevant units of the Armed Forces are working on it.
“I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to immediately contact Beijing and clarify how China intends to respond to this.
“Russia’s involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting. This definitely requires a response. A response from the United States, Europe, and all those around the world who want peace.
“The captured Chinese citizens are now in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine.
“Relevant investigative and operational actions are ongoing.”
Alex Croft8 April 2025 13:49
Volodymyr Zelensky has alleged that Chinese soldiers were caught after joining Russia’s war effort in eastern Ukraine.
Kyiv’s forces fought six Chinese soldiers in Ukraine, taking two captive, the Ukrainian president said, adding that he expects a reaction from Washington.
He has ordered officials to obtain an official explanation from China regarding its soldiers fighting in Ukraine.
Alex Croft8 April 2025 13:34
Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukrainian troops are active inside Russia’s Belgorod region, as Kyiv seeks to protect towns near the border.
The Ukrainian president described the move as “absolutely justified” as Ukraine looks to stave off Russian advances, as Moscow delays ceasefire negotiations in an apparent effort to seize more land.
After Ukraine’s foothold in Russia’s Kursk region collapsed in dramatic fashion – despite Ukrainian troops remaining in small pockets of the area – Kyiv may be searching to rebuild the leverage it had hoped to keep for any future ceasefire negotiations.
Alex Croft8 April 2025 13:32
US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said the US will know within weeks whether Vladimir Putin is serious about peace.
Speaking at the end of a two-day meeting of Nato foreign ministers, Mr Rubio said: “We will know soon enough, in a matter of weeks, not months, whether Russia is serious about peace or not. I hope they are.
“If this is dragging things out, President Trump’s not going to fall into the trap of endless negotiations about negotiations.”
Washington’s Nato allies have accused Russia of stalling ceasefire effots, and Donald Trump has reportedly become wary of Mr Putin’s commitment to peace in Ukraine.
Mr Rubio has been meeting fellow Nato foreign ministers in Brussels (via REUTERS)
Rachel Clun8 April 2025 13:16
Belgium’s prime minister Bart de Wever is in Kyiv today for a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the fallen defenders of Ukraine, alongside the country’s president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Bart de Wever and Volodymyr Zelensky during the ceremony (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE)
The wreath-laying ceremony in Kyiv (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE)
The leaders pause to commemorate the fallen defenders (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE)
Rachel Clun8 April 2025 13:01
The Kremlin claims it is continuing to take back territory gained by Ukraine in Russia’s Kursk region.
“The armed forces of the Russian Federation continue to crush the Ukrainian army formations on the territory of Kursk region,” Russia’s Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The high-quality DeepState map of the conflict shows Ukraine currently retains about 58 square km of territory around the Kursk settlement of Guyevo.
Earlier today Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian troops have also been active in the Belgorod region.
Russian commander Apti Alaudinov was quoted by Russian state news as saying on Friday that the situation in Belgorod was “under control”.
Rachel Clun8 April 2025 12:46
The Ukrainian president has commemorated Belgians who have helped defend his country, alongside Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever.
“Today, together with the Prime Minister of Belgium, @Bart_DeWever, we commemorated our defenders—the warriors thanks to whom Ukraine is alive, free, and continues to fight,” Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X.
“We remember the feat of every man and woman who defended Ukraine at the cost of their own lives. Eternal honor and gratitude to the heroes.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky and Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Memory Wall of Fallen Defenders of Ukraine in Kyiv. (UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE)
Rachel Clun8 April 2025 12:30
Washington is considering withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from eastern Europe, NBC News cited six US and European officials briefed on the discussions as saying.
In 2022, after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the US deployed 20,000 troops to bolster Nato’s eastern border with Russia. Troops are stationed in Poland, Romania and the Baltic States.
It would be the latest move in the White House push for Europe to be more self-reliant for its own security.
The numbers which will be withdrawn are not yet confirmed, NBC reported, but the US could remove as many as half its additional troops sent after the invasion.
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said European allies would be in close coordination with Washington regarding any withdrawal.
Alex Croft8 April 2025 12:16
