Ukraine’s President Zelensky claims Chinese fighters have joined Russian forces while Beijing issues strong denials, raising tensions in a conflict that now threatens to draw in major world powers.
At a Glance
- Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region
- Zelensky claims at least 155 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia with possible Beijing knowledge
- China strongly denies official involvement, stating it’s “neither the creator nor a party to the Ukrainian crisis”
- This follows Ukraine’s capture of North Korean soldiers, suggesting Russia is seeking foreign fighters
- The allegations come amid a new Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine
Chinese Fighters Captured by Ukrainian Forces
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made the startling claim that at least 155 Chinese citizens are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This assertion follows the capture of two Chinese fighters by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region, marking the first official allegation from Kyiv that China is supplying Russia with manpower. The captured Chinese nationals were reportedly more forthcoming with information than previously captured North Korean soldiers.
“They are more talkative than the prisoners from North Korea, as far as we can see,” Zelensky noted about the Chinese captives.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine has intelligence suggesting there are “several hundred” Chinese nationals fighting as part of Russia’s forces. He claims Russia recruits Chinese citizens via social media, with alleged knowledge from Beijing. These recruits reportedly receive training in Moscow, migration documents, and payment for their services.
China’s Firm Denial
China has responded forcefully to Zelensky’s allegations, advising all parties to understand China’s role correctly and to refrain from making what it called “irresponsible remarks.” The Chinese government suggested that any Chinese nationals fighting for Russia are doing so as private individuals, not as representatives of the Chinese state or military.
“China is neither the creator nor a party to the Ukrainian crisis. We are a staunch supporter and active promoter of the peaceful resolution of the crisis.”
Chinese spokesman Lin Jian further insisted that China “has always required its citizens to stay away from armed conflict areas and avoid being involved in armed conflicts in any form, especially to avoid participating in military operations of any party.” Russia has declined to comment on the capture of the Chinese fighters, maintaining silence on what could become a significant diplomatic issue.
Expanding Global Dimensions of the Conflict
If confirmed, China would become the second country after North Korea to send military personnel to support Russia in Ukraine. South Korean intelligence estimates that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers are already fighting with Russian forces. The United States has described the reports of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia as “disturbing,” adding another layer of complexity to already strained international relations.
“Ukraine believes that such blatant involvement of Chinese citizens in hostilities on the territory of Ukraine during the war of aggression is a deliberate step towards the expansion of the war, and is yet another indication that Moscow simply needs to drag out the fighting.”
Zelensky has called for a “firm and principled response” from Western allies, stating that Chinese involvement represents a major escalation of the conflict. He has also expressed willingness to exchange the captured Chinese nationals for Ukrainian soldiers held by Russia, potentially using them as diplomatic leverage.
New Russian Offensive Amid Foreign Fighter Allegations
The allegations of Chinese fighters come as Russia launches a new offensive in eastern Ukraine, with intensified assaults in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Ukrainian General Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed, “This offensive has already begun,” raising questions about the Kremlin’s commitment to peace talks. The timing suggests Russia may be bolstering its forces with foreign fighters to sustain its military operations.
“This means Russia is clearly trying to prolong the war — even by using Chinese lives,” he added.
Ukraine has also accused China of supplying elements for Russia’s weaponry, while the US has alleged that China aids Russia with munitions and dual-use technology. China has consistently denied providing military equipment to Russia, maintaining its stance of neutrality in the conflict. However, these new allegations directly challenge China’s claimed position as a “staunch supporter and active promoter” of peace.
