Wednesday, May 6, 2026 10:30:28 AM

The Chinese government has raised concerns over the rights of its citizens who fought for Russia and are now being held as prisoners in Ukraine.

Beijing has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation of Chinese nationals detained while fighting on Russia’s side and has called on Ukraine to guarantee their lawful rights in accordance with international law.

The statement was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian and published on the ministry’s official website.

Lin emphasized that Chinese authorities have repeatedly urged their citizens to avoid traveling to conflict zones and to refrain from participating in military operations for any side.

Beijing also responded to Ukraine’s recent initiative calling for a ceasefire in the ongoing war with Russia.

According to the spokesperson, China’s position remains “consistent and clear,” with a strong commitment to a political solution to the conflict.

China has once again urged all parties to intensify diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful settlement. Officials in Beijing maintain that dialogue and negotiations are the only viable path toward resolution.

Last year, Ukrainian troops reported the first capture of Chinese nationals who had been fighting alongside Russian occupation forces.

In April of last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that at least 155 Chinese citizens had participated in Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine at that time.

(C)UAWIRE 2026