CNN
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International Humanitarian Law and POWs
Displaying prisoners of war (POWs) before the media typically breaches international humanitarian law. However, Ukraine seemed to believe that the potential backlash from this week’s press conference was worth it, given that it featured two claimed Chinese fighters.
Reputation vs. Communication
Ukraine’s argument might suggest that providing these individuals an opportunity to express themselves was more important than ensuring their protection from media exposure, as the International Committee of the Red Cross advocates.
China’s Position in the Conflict
Despite its claims of neutrality in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, China remains a vital ally to Moscow. Consequently, its actions are closely monitored by Kyiv, which recognizes the implications of Beijing’s involvement.
Experiences of the POWs
The captured soldiers, who communicated in Mandarin, discussed how financial motivations influenced their decisions to fight. One highlighted the allure of 250,000 rubles (about $3,000) per month from the Russian military, which significantly exceeded his former earnings during the pandemic.
Recruitment and Battlefield Realities
Once in Russia, one POW expressed that he intended to contribute in a medical role but was instead trained for combat. Documents were predominantly in Russian, a language neither understood well, leading to reliance on non-verbal cues during training and combat.
Global Context and Ukraine’s Messaging
Ukraine has previously showcased POWs from various nationalities, but showcasing Chinese nationals is a notable development. This timing complements Kyiv’s strategy to gain leverage amid U.S. tensions with China and emphasize Beijing’s potential involvement in supporting Russia beyond mere economic support.
Beijing’s Response
China viewed the situation critically, urging parties to accurately understand its role in the conflict. They emphasized the need for responsible discourse regarding China’s involvement without directly naming Ukraine or the captured soldiers.
