In a major escalation, Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese prisoners who were fighting alongside Russian troops. President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed this concerning development, stating that there are "many more" Chinese citizens now engaging in the conflict at the frontlines and mentioned that an investigation is underway.
The surprise revelation by President Zelensky comes as he pledged to push back Russia's aggression to its starting point. He has publicly confirmed for the first time that Ukraine has made a second penetration into Russian territory, with forces moving decisively into the border region of Belgorod.
Following the capture of two "Chinese citizens" during a clash, Zelensky is pressing China for answers.
Speaking on the involvement of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, Zelensky commented, "We have information that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units. We are finding out all the facts."
The participation of China, particularly if it is state-backed, could significantly widen the conflict, although it's possible these individuals are private mercenaries, reports the Mirror.
Ukrainian soldiers, confirmed by Zelensky, have been present in the Belgorod area for months; however, his confirmation of their incursion into the territory highlights his pride in their efforts. Meanwhile, intense combat proceeds in Kursk—another Russian border area—where Kyiv's last stronghold persists against fierce opposition.
Zelensky remarked: "Today, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrsky reported separately on the front, our presence in the Kursk Oblast, and our presence in the Belgorod Oblast. "We continue to conduct active operations in border areas on enemy territory – and this is absolutely right. "The war must return to where it came from."
He defined these incursions as defensive missions aimed at safeguarding the Sumy and Kharkiv border regions of Ukraine by striking Russian forces further within their own territory to pull troops away from the frontal assault.
In the wake of a devastating Russian missile strike that obliterated apartment blocks and savaged a playground, resulting in the tragic loss of 20 lives including nine children, there has been a surge of fury in Zelensky's native city. The assault on Kryvyi Rih unfolded on Friday evening, leaving over 70 individuals injured.
The scene was harrowing with bodies scattered amidst the grass. In response, Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city administration, declared: "We are not asking for pity. We demand the world's outrage."
According to the UN Human Rights Office in Ukraine, this incident stands out as the most calamitous single verified strike affecting children since Russia escalated its offensive in February last year.
Furthermore, this marked one of the most lethal occurrences within the current year. Although Ukraine had acquiesced to a ceasefire proposition put forth by Washington weeks earlier, Russia’s approval of a halt in the conflict stretching beyond three years remains caught up in negotiations with the United States over the terms of agreement.
US President Donald Trump has expressed his exasperation with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing skirmishes. Back in Kryvyi Rih, local 59 year old teacher Iryna Kholod reminisced about Arina and Radyslav, both aged seven and tragically lost in Friday’s assault, describing them as "like little suns in the classroom".
Speaking of Radyslav, she recalled, "He held the bag like it was treasure. He wanted to help."
On a related note, military analyst Michael Clarke has indicated that the dual apprehension might spell major trouble, hinting at China's potential support for Russia's actions against Ukraine. In a candid discussion with The Sun, he explained, "That would mean that the Chinese are sending individuals to fight in a contested area to join an invasion of a foreign country."
The defence expert went on to say, "The Chinese would pretend that that isn't the truth. And the Russians would say that Donetsk is Russian territory, but legally, of course, it isn't. It's Ukrainian territory, and it has been since 1991."
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