The US State Department expressed concern over the capture of two Chinese citizens who participated in the war on Russia’s side against Ukraine. State Department spokesperson Tammi Bruce noted during a briefing:
This is reported by Kyiv24
“This is concerning. It is alarming due to North Korea’s involvement. It is troubling that Chinese soldiers have been captured. We are aware of reports that Ukraine has captured two Chinese citizens who fought alongside Russia in Ukraine”
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She also emphasized that China is a key ally of Russia in the war, supplying about 80% of the dual-use goods necessary for Russia to conduct military operations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals in Donetsk who were serving in the Russian army. He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact China to clarify the position of the Chinese side. The captives are currently under the control of the Security Service of Ukraine, where an investigation is ongoing.
Beijing has not yet responded to these events. Although China proclaims its “neutrality” in the conflict, it actively supports Russia diplomatically and economically, particularly by increasing trade volumes and supplying critical goods that contribute to Russia’s military aggression.
According to information released in January by the Radio Free Europe project “Schemes”, China has become Russia’s main supplier of gallium and germanium following the imposition of Western sanctions in 2022. These metals, imported by both state and private companies, are essential for the production of weapons, including nuclear ones.