Chinese Foreign Ministry: We are verifying the arrest of Chinese citizens in Ukraine on espionage charges

Chinese Foreign Ministry: We are verifying the arrest of Chinese citizens in Ukraine on espionage charges

Ukraine's Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has detained two Chinese nationals in Kyiv, suspected of attempting to steal classified military technology related to Ukraine's Neptune cruise missile system. The arrests, announced on July 9, involve a 24-year-old former student of a Kyiv technical university and his father, who resides in China but made periodic visits to Ukraine to coordinate his son's activities.

According to the SSU, the former student, who remained in Ukraine after being expelled from university in 2023 for poor academic performance, attempted to recruit a Ukrainian national with access to classified defense technologies to obtain technical data on the Neptune missile system. The father was also detained for his role in facilitating the transfer of sensitive information to Chinese intelligence services.

The Neptune missile system has gained international attention for its effectiveness, particularly in the destruction of the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva in 2022. The system is a key component of Ukraine's defense strategy against Russia's invasion.

The Chinese Embassy in Kyiv has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the arrests. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that it is verifying the arrest of Chinese citizens in Ukraine on espionage charges.

Both suspects have been charged with espionage under Part 1 of Article 114 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. If convicted, they face up to 15 years in prison and confiscation of their property.

This development comes amidst ongoing tensions between Ukraine and China, with Ukraine accusing China of supporting Russia's military effort. In July 2025, Ukraine imposed sanctions on five Chinese-registered companies for allegedly supplying components used in Russian drones.

References:
[1] https://militarnyi.com/en/news/chinese-spies-detained-in-kyiv-for-gathering-secret-information-on-neptune-missiles/
[2] https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2025/07/09/ukraine-arrests-two-chinese-nationals-for-alleged-espionage
[3] https://www.yahoo.com/news/ukraine-detains-chinese-spies-tasked-103549251.html