Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a significant and controversial claim that at least 155 Chinese citizens are currently fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine. His statement follows the recent capture of two Chinese fighters in the eastern Donetsk region—marking Kyiv’s first official accusation of China providing manpower to Russia.
“We Have Names and Passports” – Zelensky
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has documented evidence, including passport data, of these individuals. He stated that his intelligence agencies have been tracking these developments and that “there are many more” Chinese nationals involved than publicly acknowledged.
Zelensky claimed:
“Russia is actively recruiting Chinese citizens through social media platforms, providing them with training in Moscow, migration documents, and financial incentives before deploying them to the frontlines.”
China Denies Allegations, Urges Caution
In response, China’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged that they are in contact with Ukraine to verify the claims but dismissed the idea of state-sponsored involvement. Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that:
“The Chinese government always instructs its citizens to avoid areas of armed conflict and prohibits participation in any military operations.”
He also urged Ukraine to “correctly view China’s constructive role” in seeking a political resolution to the conflict.
Rising Concerns Over China-Russia Military Ties
This incident comes amid growing Western scrutiny of China’s role in the Ukraine conflict. The U.S. State Department called the reports “disturbing,” reflecting rising concerns over China’s indirect support to Russia. The U.S. has previously accused China of:
- Supplying dual-use technologies (e.g., drones, chips) to Russia.
- Facilitating the production of ammunition and military vehicles.
- Enabling military-related trade that helps prolong the conflict.
China’s Balancing Act
China has long maintained that it is a neutral actor in the war, denying any transfer of lethal military aid to Moscow. It insists that all trade complies with international laws and internal regulations on dual-use goods.
North Korea Also in Focus
The fresh allegations against China come shortly after Ukraine captured two injured North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, pointing to what Kyiv believes is a broadening coalition of nations—directly or indirectly—supporting Russia’s war effort.
With global tensions already high, Zelensky’s public claims regarding Chinese involvement mark a new flashpoint in the geopolitical dimensions of the war, potentially straining China-Ukraine and China-West relations further. All eyes will now be on Beijing’s response, as well as any further evidence Kyiv might release.
