Beijing embarrassed as Ukraine parades captured Chinese soldiers, breaking international law
Kyiv: In a provocative move that has drawn international scrutiny, Ukraine has paraded two Chinese nationals captured while fighting alongside Russian forces in eastern Donetsk. The decision, reportedly approved by President Volodymyr Zelensky, was made in direct response to China’s denial that any of its citizens were involved in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The action marks a violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits the public display and identification of prisoners of war (PoWs). Nevertheless, Kyiv opted to make the display public, citing the need to counter Beijing’s repeated denials.
Last week, President Zelensky stated that Ukraine had identified 155 Chinese nationals actively participating in combat on its territory. He accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese citizens and providing them with military training. The Ukrainian leader also alleged that two of these individuals were captured in eastern Donetsk, claims China had dismissed as baseless.
In response, China’s foreign ministry reiterated, “China is not the initiator of the Ukrainian crisis, nor is China a participating party.” It urged all parties to “correctly and soberly understand the role of China” and refrain from making “irresponsible remarks.”
The captured Chinese PoWs were presented before the press in full combat fatigues. Speaking through a translator, the men recounted their experiences and motivations. According to CNN, which attended the media briefing, one of the PoWs said he joined the war for financial reasons, lured by a Russian offer of 250,000 rubles (approximately $3,000) per month—more than twice what he earned in China.
The individual, who previously worked in medical rehabilitation, claimed he was reassigned to combat duties after undergoing military training in Moscow. Language barriers and lack of documentation in Mandarin complicated their experience, they said.
Ukraine also released copies of the prisoners’ passports and military documents to further verify their identities.
Ukrainian intelligence reportedly showed CNN a signed contract from another Chinese volunteer, not present at the press briefing, indicating formal enlistment in the Russian military. The contract included commitments to combat participation and support during martial law, emergencies, and anti-terrorism activities.
These revelations raise questions about the extent of Beijing’s knowledge or involvement. When asked, President Zelensky said, “I don't have an answer to this question yet. The Security Service of Ukraine will work on it.” However, he noted that Kyiv has “reason to believe that Beijing is aware of what is happening.”
Observers say the unusual move was aimed not only at shaming China but also at drawing attention from the United States. With the Trump administration focusing on economic rivalry with Beijing and U.S. aid to Ukraine declining, Kyiv may be seeking to rekindle Western interest by highlighting China’s indirect involvement in the war.
While Beijing maintains a neutral stance, it has continued to offer economic and diplomatic support to Moscow. The exposure of Chinese fighters in Ukraine has intensified scrutiny of its true position in the conflict.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) strongly discourages the exposure of PoWs to the media, viewing it as a serious violation of humanitarian norms. Legal experts warn that Ukraine’s actions may compromise its moral standing in the international arena.
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Second PUC results: Life convict clears exam with distinction, DGP lauds effort
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Bengaluru: A life convict lodged in Ballari Central Prison has successfully cleared the second PUC examination.
Ashok Kumar S, who appeared for the examination under prison escort, secured 481 marks out of 600, registering 80.1 percent.
Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services), Alok Kumar (IPS), shared the development on his official ‘X’ handle, commending the inmate’s achievement.
In his post, he stated that it was heartening to see a life convict score over 80 percent in the examination, adding that the inmate had appeared from Ballari Central Prison under escort.
It’s heartening to see that one of our life convict prisoners Ashok has obtained 80.1% marks in PUC exam. He appeared under Prison escort from Ballari Central Prison for his exams.
— alok kumar (@alokkumar6994) April 9, 2026
Glad to see that Walls of the prison has not subdued his hopes for a better future. pic.twitter.com/Nzlcy076SR
He further noted that the achievement reflected that the “walls of the prison have not subdued his hopes for a better future.”
Alok Kumar in his post also shared the result sheet of Ashok.
The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) declared the second PUC results for 2026 on April 9.
A total of 6,32,200 students appeared for the examination across all streams, of whom 5,46,698 passed, recording an overall pass percentage of 86.48 per cent.
