An official in Beijing has rejected Ukraine’s claim that large numbers of Chinese nationals are fighting for Russia in its invasion, calling the allegation baseless, reports Breaking News.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Tuesday that two Chinese men had been captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting with Russian troops in eastern Donetsk, and said there is intelligence indicating many more are involved.
This marks the first instance in which Ukraine has alleged the presence of Chinese combatants on its territory since the war began three years ago, reports Breaking News.
In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that China continues to contribute diplomatically to resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
He explained that the Chinese government consistently advises its citizens to avoid conflict zones, stay out of combat situations, and not take part in military actions of any involved party.
His remarks suggested that if the Chinese individuals were indeed found fighting, they had likely acted independently, reports Breaking News.
China has remained a strong political ally to Russia since the invasion began in February 2022.
Though it has assisted economically by maintaining trade in energy and consumer goods, China has not formally supplied Russia with troops, weapons, or direct military support.
It had earlier proposed a loosely outlined peace initiative that failed to gain serious international backing.
Previously, Ukraine and the United States reported that North Korean soldiers have joined Russia under a bilateral agreement with Pyongyang, reports Breaking News.
Both Russia and Ukraine permit foreign nationals to enlist in their armed forces.
At a briefing in Washington, US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce acknowledged the reports of Chinese nationals captured in Ukraine and described the development as troubling.
She stated that China is a key supporter of Russia in the ongoing war, supplying a large portion of dual-use goods that assist Russia’s military operations, reports Breaking News.
Tensions between the US and China have been on the rise due to ongoing conflicts over trade, technology, and global influence.
The Kremlin has dismissed a US-backed proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, which had received approval from Kyiv.
Both Russia and Ukraine are thought to be preparing for renewed offensives during the spring and summer, reports Breaking News.
In the meantime, the conflict continues along a 620-mile front, with both sides carrying out long-range attacks.
Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, specifically Kramatorsk, was hit by a significant drone strike overnight, injuring a young girl, her mother, and grandmother, according to the regional head Vadym Filashkin, reports Breaking News.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 55 Shahed drones, including decoys, across the country during the night.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed its air defences intercepted 158 Ukrainian drones across 11 regions, with no casualties or damage reported.
Some Russian airports halted flights temporarily due to the attacks, and drones reached as far as the Orenburg region in the southern Urals, around 745 miles from the Ukrainian border, the ministry added, reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
