In the current situation, we have information that at least several hundred Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia's occupation power, says Zelenskyj during Friday's meeting in Brussels with the so-called Contact Group for Ukraine's defense (Ramstein Group).
This means that Russia is obviously trying to prolong the war – even with the help of Chinese lives, he continues.
Earlier in the week, Ukraine reported that it had captured two Chinese nationals in the heavily contested Donetsk in eastern Ukraine.
The incident raises questions, according to Kyiv, about Beijing's interest in a peaceful solution. China has formally stated that it will remain neutral in the war, but has economically and diplomatically tied closer bonds with Russia.
Connected via link from the city of Kryvyj Rih, where 19 people, including many children, were killed in a rocket attack last week, Zelenskyj also highlights the lack of air defense.
You know that Patriot can effectively protect against ballistic threats. I ask you to focus primarily on air defense for Ukraine. We really need it. Ten Patriot systems – the free world has them, he says.
Patriot is an American air defense system.
