Zelensky Accuses Russia of Involving Chinese Citizens in Ukraine Conflict
President Zelensky accused Russia of recruiting over 150 Chinese citizens to fight in Ukraine, claiming that Ukraine would exchange captured Chinese nationals for Ukrainian POWs. He emphasized the need for military support from the US, suggesting a willingness to invest up to $50 billion. Chinese officials denied the accusations, labeling them groundless, while tensions between Ukraine, China, and Russia continue to escalate amid the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of coercing China into the Ukraine conflict, claiming over 150 Chinese citizens are being recruited to fight for Moscow. He emphasized that Ukrainian officials are scheduled to meet a US delegation to discuss potential military equipment purchases that could amount to $50 billion, aimed at pushing for a ceasefire agreement. Zelensky revealed that two Chinese nationals had been captured while battling in the Donetsk region, creating a possibility for their exchange with Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia.
During his remarks, Zelensky stated, “Such an overt involvement of Chinese citizens in combat operations on the territory of Ukraine is a deliberate step towards expanding the war.” Despite his claims, China’s foreign ministry dismissed these allegations as unfounded, urging its citizens to avoid conflict regions. Zelensky further claimed, “It is clear how they recruit them,” referring to recruitment methods via social media platforms such as TikTok.
The Ukrainian intelligence presented documents listing 168 Chinese nationals allegedly recruited by Russia, which Zelensky categorized as an alarming development. He acknowledged that there might be more recruits and that investigations are ongoing. The Ukrainian leader did not blame China for dispatching troops directly but asserted the Beijing government was aware of these recruitments.
The situation escalated with subsequent comments from Chinese officials, who expressed skepticism about the number of nationals involved in combat. Chinese spokesperson Lin Jian labeled Zelensky’s assertions as “absolutely groundless.” Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from responding to Zelensky’s allegations during a press briefing.
Furthermore, Zelensky asserted that the US government also views the involvement of Chinese fighters as “unacceptable”. He highlighted the implications of military cooperation with the US, indicating that Ukraine is prepared to acquire substantial defense packages to bolster its military capabilities against Russia.
The tension between these nations sheds light on the complexities of international involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, with China maintaining its position as a seemingly neutral party while facing accusations of procuring support for Russia.
The article outlines President Zelensky’s claims regarding the recruitment of over 150 Chinese nationals by Russia to fight in Ukraine, alongside Ukraine’s efforts to procure significant military support from the US. Zelensky’s statements highlight the precarious involvement of China and evoke concerns regarding international relations amidst the ongoing conflict. The situation reflects broader geopolitical tensions, with reactions from both China and Russia complicating the narrative surrounding foreign participation in the Ukraine war.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
