“At least several hundred Chinese citizens” fight for Russian forces in Ukraine, says Zelenski: “Russia is clearly trying to prolong the war.”
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski, in a press conference. Photo source: Nicolas Economomou / Nurphoto / Shutte / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski said on Friday that hundreds of Chinese citizens are fighting with Russia on the line of the Ukraine front, after accusing Moscow of attracting Beijing in his invasion, AFP reports.
“At present, we have information that at least several hundred Chinese citizens are fighting as part of Russia's occupation forces,” Ukraine said in Brussels on Friday, during a meeting with the heads of the Allied States.
“This means that Russia is clearly trying to extend the war – even using Chinese lives,” Volodimir Zelenski said.
This week, the Ukrainian authorities announced that they had captured two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in the Donetk region, which made President Zelenski accuse Moscow of involving Beijing in his military campaign.
The Kremlin denied the accusation, and Beijing warned the parties involved in the conflict not to make “irresponsible remarks”.
The leader of Ukraine asks for the “free world” 10 Patriot systems
Volodimir Zelenski made a plea to get more anti-aircraft defense systems from Western allies, in a video message that he transmitted from his hometown, Krivoi Rog, where a Russian ballistic missile killed 19 people last week, including nine children.
“You know that Patriot systems can effectively protect against ballistic threats (…). Ten patriot systems – the free world has them,” said Ukrainian president.
Zelenski criticized Moscow for refusing to complete the fire that Washington proposed, with the approval of Kiev, a month ago.
At the same time, he solicified the Allies to make progress in the creation of a contingent of forces that act as a deterrent factor after Russia after the hostilities are over.
“We must define clear details on the size, structure, development, logistics, support, equipment and weapons of this security contingent in Ukraine,” said President Zelenski.
On Friday, American emissary Steve Witkoff has a new meeting with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and on the agenda will be the War in Ukraine, according to the Kremlin. Also today, in a message on the Truth Social Platform, Donald Trump urged Moscow to “move” to stop the “terrible and meaningless” war.
