China has urged its citizens to avoid war zones after two nationals were captured during fighting in Ukraine.

Beijing’s foreign ministry said it rejected “groundless” claims that more Chinese soldiers were fighting in Ukraine, adding that it was verifying reports of Chinese nationals being captured in combat.

“The Chinese government has always asked its citizens to stay away from areas of armed conflict (and) avoid involvement in armed conflicts in any form,” said Lin Jian, Chinese foreign office spokesperson.

He added: “The Chinese side’s position on the issue of the Ukraine crisis is clear and unequivocal, and has won widespread approval from the international community.”

It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed his forces had fought with and detained six Chinese soldiers in Donetsk and that there were “many more” in the Russian ranks.

Mr Zelensky said the move was a “clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war,” adding that “he is looking for ways to continue fighting.”

Western intelligence sources said it was unlikely the soldiers were sent directly by China.

Russia routinely recruits foreign nationals into its armed forces through irregular means.