Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kiev has captured two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.

“There are the prisoners’ documents, bank cards and personal data,” Mr Zelensky wrote on Telegram, alongside a video showing images of one of the captured men.

He said the two men had been fighting for the Russians in the eastern Donetsk region.

Mr Zelensky claimed the two are not isolated cases. “We have information that there are many more such Chinese citizens in the occupying forces.”

He has instructed Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, to demand an official response from Beijing, calling the development a “clear signal” that Russian President Vladimir Putin is intent on prolonging the war.

“This absolutely requires a response from the U.S., Europe and everyone in the world who wants peace,” Mr Zelensky said.

The prisoners are in the custody of Ukraine’s SBU security service.

Ukraine has been defending against Russia’s full-scale invasion for more than three years, with significant military and financial support from Western allies.

North Korean troops are known to have fought for Russia, while thousands of foreign volunteers are believed to be serving on the Ukrainian side. 

(dpa/NAN)