Two Chinese citizens have been captured fighting for Russia in eastern Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

The Ukrainian president claimed his forces had engaged with six Chinese soldiers in Donetsk and that there are “many more” in the Russian ranks.

He demanded an explanation from Beijing and ordered officials to “find out how China is going to react to this”.

“Russia’s involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war,” he said. “He is looking for ways to continue fighting.”

Mr Zelensky said the capturing of Chinese citizens required a response from the United States, Europe, “and all those around the world who want peace”.

This would mark the first time Chinese troops have been spotted on the front line, marking a potentially significant escalation in the conflict, which has already involved thousands of North Korean troops.

Western officials have long accused China of sending weapons components and attack drones to Russia for the Ukraine war, which Beijing has denied.