Overview

• Ukrainian authorities have captured two Chinese nationals, Zhang Renbo (26) and Wang Guangjun (33), who reportedly joined Russian forces through online recruitment.
• The fighters, captured in the Donetsk region, appeared in a Kiev press conference, recounting their capture and urging others not to follow their example.
• China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied any involvement in recruiting its citizens for the Russian military and is investigating the circumstances of their capture.
• Chinese officials have called for avoiding political manipulation of the situation and reiterated China's stance of neutrality in the conflict.
• Ukrainian leadership, including President Zelensky, claims broader Chinese involvement, alleging hundreds of Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces.