Ukraine shows Chinese fighters who were caught for Russia

Ukraine shows Chinese fighters who were caught for Russia

cnn reported that the presentation of prisoners of war in front of reporters and cameras is almost certainly a violation of international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, the Ukraine apparently decided to accept the possible reputative damage that could arise from a press conference with two supposedly caught fighters from China. The reason for this was obviously the hoped -for effect to offer the fighters a platform to tell their history.

The Situation of the captured fighters

The two prisoners of war, dressed in military uniforms and answering in Mandarin, were guarded by armed Ukrainian security forces while a translator was sitting next to them. They reported that financial incentives played a crucial role in their history. One of them said that he had lost his job during the Corona pandemic and was looking for a way to make money. The prospect of 250,000 rubles (approx. 3,000 USD) per month in Russia was more than twice as much as he could expect at home.

recruitment and contractual conditions

When someone with experience in medical rehabilitation, he wanted to tell the recruiter that he wanted to do the same thing in the Russian army. But in Moscow he was forced to complete an apprenticeship for a fighting order. The documents he saw were only in Russian, which none of the men understood; One stated that he mainly communicated through hand signals.

CNN has seen a military contract signed by another Chinese fighter. This contract, which was presented by a Ukrainian source, is also written in Russian. He has a term of one year and obliges the volunteers to various military activities.

The influence of foreign fighters

Foreign fighters have been part of the war on both sides since the beginning of the conflict. A list viewed by CNN shows that Ukraine holds numerous prisoners of war from different countries by the end of 2024, including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Somalia, and the Congo. In January, Ukraine also caught two North Koreans who are part of an estimated group of 14,000 soldiers who were sent by Pyongyang to support Moscow.

relationships between China and Russia

The announcement of the capture of the Chinese fighters attracted considerable interest. President Wolodymyr Selenskyj commented on the possible role of the Chinese government in recruitment. Although he had no definitive answer, he indicated that Russia may be dependent on foreign fighters to maintain the front line. "It is unable to keep the long front line alone with its own soldiers and uses every opportunity to win recruits," a source was cited.

strategic signals

The decision of Ukraine to go public with their Chinese prisoners of war is remarkable and has strategic importance. This is done at a time when Kyiv tries to influence international perception in the face of conflict with Russia. Russia has strengthened an already tense relationship with the United States and Europe in recent years. Selenskyj could also send a signal to the EU to address the possible political and economic alliances between Europe and China.

As the criticism expressed by Beijing shows, these developments have not been unnoticed. "We ask the parties involved to correctly assess China's role and not make any irresponsible comments," said a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry.

The situation remains tense, while Ukraine is in a decisive phase of the war that could have far -reaching geopolitical consequences.