Zelenskyy: 155 Chinese fighting for Russia

Agencies Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that at least 155 Chinese citizens are actively fighting for Russia in the ongoing war. His remarks follow the reported capture of two Chinese fighters earlier this week, marking the first official accusation from Kyiv directly alleging that China is providing Russia with manpower. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Zelenskyy reiterated his claim that there are "many more" Chinese nationals engaged in the conflict, based on information gathered by his government.

China’s response

In response, China's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said  in Beijing that they are still "verifying the relevant situation with Ukraine," appearing to suggest that any Chinese soldiers involved were acting in a private capacity. He emphasized that the Chinese government consistently urges its citizens to stay away from conflict zones and avoid any form of involvement in armed conflicts, particularly military operations for any party. Lin Jian also called on Ukraine to "view correctly China's effort and constructive role for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis" . 

However, hours later, Zelenskyy stood firm on his claims, emphasizing the seriousness of the "Chinese issue." He stated, "There are 155 people with surnames, with passport data - 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine," according to Interfax reports. He further alleged that Russia is recruiting Chinese citizens through social media and that "official Beijing knows about this" .

Zelenskyy claimed that these recruits allegedly received training in Moscow, along with migration documents and payment, before being deployed to the battlefield in Ukraine. Earlier in the week, he reported that Ukrainian forces had encountered six Chinese soldiers in the eastern Donetsk region, capturing two of them. Russia has declined to comment on these claims.  

The Ukrainian leader asserted that "Russia's involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war." The United States has described these reports as "disturbing".