Photo : AFP/Gulf Times
Photo : AFP/Gulf Times
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON GROUND
On 08 April, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine’s military had captured two Chinese citizens fighting for Russian forces in Donetsk, providing documents, bank cards, and personal data of the prisoners. While China has maintained a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, this revelation raises questions about its role, with Zelenskyy criticising Russia’s involvement of other countries in the war. Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, summoned China’s charge d'affaires to demand an explanation, stating that Chinese citizens fighting for Russia undermines China's peace stance and credibility as a UN Security Council member. The US State Department expressed concern over the reports, and military analyst Anders Puck Nielsen noted that foreign fighters are common on both sides, though official Chinese military involvement would signal a more significant escalation.
On 08 April, Zelenskyy confirmed signing of three defence agreements between Ukrainian and Belgian partners. He highlighted the participation of representatives from ten Belgian defence companies, discussing joint production and investments in Ukraine, which he emphasised would contribute to the security of all of Europe. The agreements, signed with Belgian manufacturers, would be part of Ukraine's broader efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 08 April, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed an air strike in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) resulting in the destruction of 20 Ukrainian troops. According to the report in TASS, the strike targeted a Ukrainian combat group stationed in the settlement of Mirnoye, located northwest of Velikaya Novosyolka. The Aerospace Forces conducted the attack on the positions of the 71st separate jaeger brigade using four smart bombs. This operation took place within the area of responsibility of Russia’s Battlegroup East.
On 08 April, TASS reported on the ground developments. According to the Russian Ministry of Defence Russian forces had launched extensive strikes across Ukraine, targeting missile and artillery depots, as well as massed Ukrainian troops and military equipment in 149 areas. These operations were carried out using a mixture of operational/tactical aircraft, attack drones, missile troops, and artillery. The strikes resulted in major casualties among Ukrainian troops, with Russia’s Battle group North reporting over 110 Ukrainian casualties and the destruction of two ammunition depots in the Belgorod direction. Meanwhile, Battle group West inflicted around 220 casualties, destroyed six artillery guns, and seized better positions in areas near Redkodub and Drobyshevo in the Donetsk People’s Republic. Battle group South reported 270 casualties and the destruction of two US made armoured vehicles, while Battle group Center accounted for about 410 casualties and the destruction of several US-made armoured personnel carriers and artillery systems.
On 08 April, Russian forces observed Ukrainian forces launching a series of drone and munitions attacks on the Belgorod Region, using 37 drones and 32 munitions to target eight areas. According to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, the towns of Borki, Dvuluchnoye, Dolgoye, Konoplyanovka, and Ryabiki in the Valuisky district were hit by 17 drones, 13 of which were intercepted and downed. In Borki, two 16-year-olds were injured when a drone dropped an explosive device, though infrastructure damage was minimal. According to Russian defence ministry, air defence systems successfully downed two drones over the Ivnyansky and Rakityansky districts, with no casualties or significant damage reported.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 08 April, Ukrinform reported on the Canadian Armed Forces demonstrating their use of drones to train Ukrainian soldiers in modern combat techniques as part of Operation UNIFIER. Canadian instructors use drones to simulate attacks and observe training, ensuring continuous improvement in the courses provided to Ukrainian troops. Since Operation UNIFIER began in 2015, Canadian forces have trained over 44,000 Ukrainian service members. Although Canadian instructors withdrew following Russia's full-scale invasion, training resumed in the UK, Poland, and Latvia a few months later.
On 08 April, during his visit to Kyiv, Belgian Minister Maxime Prévot announced an EUR 250,000 in aid and emphasised that Belgium’s support is an investment in Ukraine’s future, highlighting efforts to rebuild and strengthen through vocational training and the creation of modern social institutions. He also announced delivery of F-16 fighter jets. He said: “We promised to be the largest supplier of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, and we will keep our word. We will provide two F-16s for parts this year, and we will certainly send two more jets next year.”
Belgium has become one of the top 20 per capita donors to Ukraine, providing over EUR 2.2 billion in military, humanitarian, and reconstruction aid since Russia's aggression began. This includes EUR 150 million allocated to reconstruction efforts under the BE-Relieve program, focusing on sustainable energy, health, social protection, and education. Belgium has assisted in rebuilding schools, hospitals, and energy facilities in Kyiv and Chernihiv.
References
“Three defense agreements signed during Belgian PM's visit – Zelensky,” Ukrinform, 08 April 2025
“Zelensky outlines key topics for upcoming Ramstein meeting,” Ukrinform, 08 April 2025
Richard Connor, “Ukraine says Chinese men captured fighting for Russia,” Deutsche Welle, 08 April 2025
“Russian forces strike Ukrainian missile/artillery depots over past day,” TASS, 08 April 2025
“Russia’s air strike destroys 20 Ukrainian troops in Donetsk region,” TASS, 08 April 2025
“Canadian forces demonstrate use of drones in training Ukrainian soldiers,” Ukrinform, 08 April 2025
“Belgium gives Ukraine EUR 2.2B in aid since war-start,” Ukrinform, 08 April 2025