The capture of two Chinese soldiers by Ukrainian forces in Donbas has drawn new attention to the scope and character of foreign involvement in Russia’s war, prompting Kyiv to publicly link Beijing with Pyongyang and Tehran as backers of Moscow’s military campaign.

However, the alleged presence of 150 Chinese soldiers, many reportedly self-enlisted and driven by promises of Russian citizenship, stands in stark contrast to North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was first to highlighta key factor setting Beijing and Pyongyang’s involvement apart: DPRK troops are fighting in Russia proper to repel Ukrainian forces