Ukraine has captured 2 Chinese nationals in the embattled eastern region, citing Chinese participation from the Russian side
The President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has said that about 155 Chinese citizens are fighting for the Russian military against Ukraine.
His remarks come in the wake of Ukraine’s capture of 2 Chinese nationals in the embattled eastern region, where Russian advances have intensified. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence has compiled detailed records, including names, birth dates, and military unit assignments, of the Chinese individuals allegedly serving in Russian ranks. He said he hoped the United States (U.S.) would speak to Russia about the battlefield deployment of Chinese citizens. He also suggested that Chinese authorities were aware of the recruitment efforts, which he said are being conducted through social media platforms.
Speaking to media, Zelenskyy said, “The Chinese issue is serious. There are 155 people with names and passport details – 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine. We are collecting information and believe that there are more, many more.”
Zelenskyy further claimed that Ukraine’s security services are investigating whether the Chinese nationals involved are acting under the direction of Beijing. He added that Kyiv is open to negotiating a prisoner exchange, offering to release the captured Chinese citizens in return for Ukrainian Servicemen held in Russian captivity. China, which has declared a “no-limits” partnership with Russia, has tried to position itself as a mediator to negotiate an end to the war. It has refrained from criticising Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the allegations as “groundless,” insisting that Beijing has consistently urged its citizens to avoid active conflict zones and has forbidden any involvement in foreign military operations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson – Lin Jian said that China is in contact with Ukraine to verify the situation and reiterated China’s stance on pursuing a political solution to the conflict.
Jian said, “Ukraine should correctly view China’s efforts and constructive role in seeking a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis.”
Zelenskiy described the deployment of Chinese nationals as Russia’s “second mistake,” following the earlier deployment of over 11,000 North Korean troops to Russia’s Kursk region, an assertion Moscow has not confirmed publicly.
Zelenskyy said, “America is clearly seeing the actions undertaken by Russia. I do not understand why there is no forceful reaction—no diplomacy, no statements.”
The Head of U.S. Forces in the Indo-Pacific – Admiral Samuel Paparo, confirmed at a congressional hearing that Ukraine has captured 2 Chinese nationals and said any Russian success offensively in Europe would embolden China in its own offensive ambitions.
