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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Beauty of democracy: Tharoor congratulates BJP on civic body poll win in his constituency
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday, while lauding the win of the UDF in Kerala local bodies elections, also congratulated the BJP for its historic performance in his Thiruvananthapuram constituency, calling it the "beauty of democracy".
In a post on X, he said the people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in his constituency.
"What a day of amazing results in the Kerala local self-government elections! The mandate is clear, and the democratic spirit of the state shines through.
"A huge congratulations to @UDFKerala for a truly impressive win across various local bodies! This is a massive endorsement and a powerful signal ahead of the state legislative elections. Hard work, a strong message and anti-incumbency have all clearly paid off to achieve a much better result than in 2020," Tharoor said.
He said he also acknowledges the historic performance of the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram, and "offer humble congratulations on their significant victory in the city corporation - a strong showing that marks a notable shift in the capital's political landscape."
Tharoor said he campaigned for a change from 45 years of the LDF "misrule", but the voters have ultimately rewarded another party that also sought a clear change in governance.
"That is the beauty of democracy. The people's verdict must be respected, whether for the UDF overall or for the BJP in my constituency.
"We will continue to work for the betterment of Kerala, advocating for the people's needs and upholding the principles of good governance. Onwards and upwards!" Tharoor, who is the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, said.
The lotus bloomed in the state capital as the BJP-led NDA achieved a resounding win in the polls for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, snatching it from the CPI(M)-led LDF and marking an end to 45 years of continuous Left rule in the local body.
The win in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation will act as a boost for the BJP in the 2026 Assembly polls, especially in the state capital.
Of the 101 wards in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the BJP won 50, LDF 29, UDF 19 and two wards were won by independent candidates.
The BJP is one seat short of a decisive majority in the corporation.
Besides this, the NDA retained the Palakkad municipality after a close battle with the Congress-led UDF and wrested the Thrippunithura Municipality from the grand old party.
In Thrissur, from where Suresh Gopi won in the Lok Sabha polls last year, the BJP won 18 out of the 46 wards in Kodungallur Municipality, eight in Thrissur Corporation, two each in Guruvayoor and Vadakkancherry municipalities, seven in Kunnamkulam Municipality, six in Irinjalakuda Municipality and one in Chalakudy Municipality.
