Beijing denies Zelensky's claims about captured soldiers
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has alleged that numerous Chinese nationals are engaging in combat alongside Russian forces against Ukraine. In response to these allegations, Beijing has denied Zelensky's claims. On Tuesday, Zelensky...
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Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has alleged that numerous Chinese nationals are engaging in combat alongside Russian forces against Ukraine.
In response to these allegations, Beijing has denied Zelensky's claims. On Tuesday, Zelensky released a brief video that purportedly shows a Chinese citizen captured during the conflict, asserting that two such individuals are in Ukrainian custody and that “significantly more” are serving with the Russian military.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded on Wednesday, labeling the accusations as “groundless” and reaffirming that Beijing consistently advises its citizens against involvement in foreign armed conflicts. He added, ”China’s stance on the Ukrainian crisis is clear and unambiguous, and it has been widely acknowledged by the international community.”
Zelensky also suggested that Russia is “involving China directly or indirectly” in the conflict and urged a rapid response from the US and the EU. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce referred to the situation as “disturbing” and characterized China as “a major enabler of Russia” in the conflict, underscoring the urgency of President Donald Trump’s calls for a negotiated peace.
China has repeatedly rejected claims from Washington that its trade with Russia enhances the latter's military capabilities, maintaining a position of neutrality in the conflict, unlike many Western nations.
Last year, the Biden administration referenced reports that North Korean troops were aiding in the defense against a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region to rationalize easing restrictions on American-supplied weapons to Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have neither confirmed nor denied these allegations.
Ukrainian MP Aleksandr Dubinsky, a critic of Zelensky who faces treason accusations, suggested that Kiev may be employing a tactic of fabricating evidence. He shared a clip indicating that the video shared by Zelensky was originally titled “Korean_Soldier_2.mp4,” though it was later renamed. The lawmaker stated that Ukrainian diplomats will need to clarify to Beijing “whether it was fake or just a naming failure.”
Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin last month endorsed Trump’s proposal for a 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure. Moscow claims that Kiev has violated this partial ceasefire multiple times, which officials regard as evidence of Zelensky's lack of reliability.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
In response to these allegations, Beijing has denied Zelensky's claims. On Tuesday, Zelensky released a brief video that purportedly shows a Chinese citizen captured during the conflict, asserting that two such individuals are in Ukrainian custody and that “significantly more” are serving with the Russian military.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded on Wednesday, labeling the accusations as “groundless” and reaffirming that Beijing consistently advises its citizens against involvement in foreign armed conflicts. He added, ”China’s stance on the Ukrainian crisis is clear and unambiguous, and it has been widely acknowledged by the international community.”
Zelensky also suggested that Russia is “involving China directly or indirectly” in the conflict and urged a rapid response from the US and the EU. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce referred to the situation as “disturbing” and characterized China as “a major enabler of Russia” in the conflict, underscoring the urgency of President Donald Trump’s calls for a negotiated peace.
China has repeatedly rejected claims from Washington that its trade with Russia enhances the latter's military capabilities, maintaining a position of neutrality in the conflict, unlike many Western nations.
Last year, the Biden administration referenced reports that North Korean troops were aiding in the defense against a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region to rationalize easing restrictions on American-supplied weapons to Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have neither confirmed nor denied these allegations.
Ukrainian MP Aleksandr Dubinsky, a critic of Zelensky who faces treason accusations, suggested that Kiev may be employing a tactic of fabricating evidence. He shared a clip indicating that the video shared by Zelensky was originally titled “Korean_Soldier_2.mp4,” though it was later renamed. The lawmaker stated that Ukrainian diplomats will need to clarify to Beijing “whether it was fake or just a naming failure.”
Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin last month endorsed Trump’s proposal for a 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure. Moscow claims that Kiev has violated this partial ceasefire multiple times, which officials regard as evidence of Zelensky's lack of reliability.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
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