China on Wednesday dismissed Ukraine’s claim that a significant number of Chinese citizens are fighting alongside Russian forces as “completely groundless.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that his army had captured two Chinese nationals fighting with Russian troops in the eastern Donetsk region, and claimed to have information suggesting that “many more” are embedded within the invading forces.
This marks the first time Kyiv has alleged the presence of Chinese combatants on its territory since the Russian invasion began more than three years ago.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that Beijing has played a “constructive role” in seeking a political resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
During his daily press briefing, Lin stressed that “the Chinese government has always urged its citizens to stay away from conflict zones, avoid any involvement in armed clashes, and, in particular, refrain from participating in military operations on either side.”
