'Putin intends to do anything but end war': Zelenskyy claims Ukraine captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday claimed that two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces were arrested and said that Russian President Vladimir Putin can do anything but not end the war.

Sharing a video of one of the apprehended, reportedly Chinese national, Zelenkyy said that Ukraine would seek clarification from Beijing and expect a response from allies regarding this development.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow and Beijing have strengthened their political, military and economic ties.

"Our military captured two Chinese citizens who fought in the Russian army. This happened on the territory of Ukraine -- in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession," Zelenskyy announced via social media.

Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.

We have information suggesting that… pic.twitter.com/ekBr6hCkQL

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 8, 2025

"We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units than just these two. We are currently verifying all the facts—intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the relevant units of the Armed Forces are working on it," he added.

Zelenskyy also said that Russia's involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that "Putin intends to do anything but end the war."

While China maintains its neutrality in the conflict and denies providing lethal aid to either side, unlike Western nations and the United States, it remains Russia's significant political and economic partner. Nato members have identified Beijing as a "decisive enabler" of Moscow's invasion, which China has not condemned.

The US administration has been unsuccessful in achieving a diplomatic breakthrough despite multiple negotiation attempts to end the three-year conflict.

Ukraine has consistently asked Beijing to influence Moscow to cease its invasion, which has resulted in numerous casualties whilst failing to achieve the Kremlin's primary objectives.

Ukraine continues to press its Western allies for a response regarding Russia's deployment of numerous North Korean troops to the Kursk region, where Kyiv has faced challenges maintaining its position following an offensive launched in August last year.