President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday the capture of two Chinese nationals reportedly fighting for the Russian Armed Forces in the first update of its kind.

Zelensky, in a Telegram update that includes the interrogation of one of the Chinese men captured, said the two soldiers were captured in Ukraine’s Donetsk region with their personal documents, including bank cards.

Zelensky said Kyiv is aware of more Chinese nationals fighting for Moscow, adding that Ukrainian authorities are working to establish the situation.

“We have information that there are significantly more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than two. We are currently clarifying all the facts. Intelligence, the [Security Service of Ukraine] SBU, and the relevant units of the Armed Forces are working,” Zelensky said, adding that the two men are under the SBU’s custody

  • Jumpingspiderman@lemmy.world
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    6 days ago

    To be honest, this should not be surprising. The question though is did they volunteer or were they Chinese military ordered to fight for Russia.

    • cafk@feddit.org
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      6 days ago

      It’s also a possibility that they’re part of the various PMCs: Wagner Group, Redut, Convoy, Patriot, Yastreb, Rusich, Tsarist Wolves, or the Russian Imperial Movement

      That have been sighted or associated with activities in Ukraine - as national volunteers are getting (relatively) fancy signing up bonuses, it wouldn’t surprise me if some outside of Russia see it as an opportunity.

    • Bzdalderon@lemmy.ca
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      6 days ago

      Putting boots on the ground will cause WW3. But if thats the cost of freedom and stability, then it’s a price we need to be willing to pay.

  • qarbone@lemmy.world
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    6 days ago

    Why the FUCK would you bring your bank card to fight as invaders?? You think you’re gonna do a quick withdrawal and buy something at a convenience store?

  • _cryptagion [he/him]@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    6 days ago

    Probably just private citizens. I doubt China cares enough for what happens in Ukraine to deal with the economic fallout of the sanctions that would happen if they joined a side. There’s no real benefit to getting too involved.