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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Alex Croft

Chinese soldiers caught fighting for Putin in Ukraine, Zelensky claims

  • Ukrainian forces engaged with six Chinese troops in the Donetsk region, capturing two, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, who shared footage of one detainee on X.
  • Kyiv has demanded an explanation from Beijing, stating that the incident undermines China's credibility as a responsible member of the UN Security Council.
  • The clash occurred near Tarasivka and Bilohorivka in Donetsk, marking potentially the most significant involvement of foreign fighters since North Koreans assisted Russian troops in Kursk.
  • Analysts suggest the involvement of Chinese troops could indicate Russian manpower shortages, with Moscow potentially using foreign mercenaries to avoid domestic conscription and potential rebellion.
  • Experts believe Zelensky may be seeking to drive a wedge between Washington and Moscow, capitalising on the Trump administration's hostile stance towards China to gain stronger US support for Ukraine.

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