Zelensky Claims 155 Chinese Nationals Fighting for Russia Amidst Captured Fighters Controversy!
Kyiv, Ukraine - President Volodymyr Zelensky has ignited a new international controversy, asserting that Ukrainian intelligence has identified 155 Chinese citizens actively fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This revelation comes on the heels of Ukraine's announcement of capturing two Chinese nationals allegedly serving in the Russian army.
Zelensky stated on Wednesday that these individuals were recruited through advertisements, some of which appeared on social media platforms. He emphasized that Ukrainian authorities are gathering more information and believe the actual number of Chinese fighters could be significantly higher.
China's foreign ministry has responded to these allegations, dismissing them as "groundless." A spokesperson stated that the Chinese government has consistently instructed its citizens to avoid armed conflict zones and refrain from participating in military operations.
A document purportedly from Ukrainian security agencies lists over 150 Chinese citizens who have served with the Russian armed forces. Most contracts in the document are dated 2024 and span across different military units. CNN cannot independently verify the list.
Zelensky questioned whether Beijing was aware of recruitment videos targeting Chinese citizens circulating on Chinese social networks. He described a process where recruits travel to Russia, undergo medical examinations and training, before being deployed to fight in Ukraine.
When asked if this was sanctioned by Beijing, Zelensky said, "I don't have an answer to this question yet… We do not have such information.”
The allegations surfaced after Ukraine reported the capture of two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region. Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces obtained their documents, bank cards, and personal data. He also proposed exchanging these individuals for Ukrainian prisoners of war. The Kremlin has declined to comment, while Beijing stated it is "currently verifying" the situation.
According to the Ukrainian military, one of the captured Chinese nationals admitted to paying RUB 300,000 ($3,500) to join the Russian military through an intermediary in China, seeking Russian citizenship. He claimed to have received basic military training in the occupied Luhansk region alongside other Chinese nationals. He had informed his family he was going to Russia, but traveled as a tourist.