Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly accused China of turning a blind eye to its nationals fighting for Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine. In a recent statement, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had identified at least 155 Chinese citizens who have joined the Russian military effort, based on intelligence reports and documented evidence including names, photos, and passport details.
Although Zelenskyy clarified that he does not believe the Chinese government directly ordered its citizens to join the conflict, he stressed that Beijing must be aware of their involvement. “We record that they [China] knew about it,” he said. “These are Chinese citizens, fighting against us, using weapons against Ukrainians on Ukrainian soil. Their motivation — whether financial, political, or otherwise — is still unclear, but it will become known.”
Ukrainian intelligence compiled two separate dossiers: one document featuring 13 Chinese men aged between 19 and 45, complete with passport details and photographs; and another listing Chinese nationals, their dates of birth, the Russian military units they are attached to, and, in some cases, information about their recruitment.
Zelenskyy also revealed that Russia has been using platforms like TikTok and other Chinese social media networks to openly advertise for military recruits. Once in Russia, the recruits reportedly undergo medical evaluations in Moscow over a three-to-four-day period before receiving one to two months of military training. Chinese troops are then deployed in Russian-held Ukrainian territory. These latter ones, according to Zelenskyy, obtain official migration cards from Russian military authorities and enter official payment schemes to receive salaries.
Beijing officially denied but, through China’s officials, suggested that troops had willingly entered the war. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed Ukraine’s claims as “totally unfounded,” asserting that “the Chinese government always asks Chinese citizens to stay away from conflict zones and to avoid participating in any party’s military operations.”
Despite China’s claim of neutrality in the conflict, both Ukraine and Russia are known to use Chinese-manufactured components in their military operations. Chinese DJI Mavic drones, in particular, are widely used by both sides, though Ukraine has indicated its intent to reduce reliance on Chinese equipment.
Kyiv also named two Chinese nationals captured on the battlefield earlier this week: Wang Guangjun, born in 1991, and Zhang Renbo, born in 1998. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is open to exchanging these prisoners for Ukrainian soldiers currently held by Russia.
Zelenskyy’s remarks come at a time of growing tension between China and the United States, particularly over trade tariffs. He noted that Washington was “very surprised” to learn of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, hinting that this revelation could affect U.S. diplomatic initiative. As ties between the United States and Ukraine strained with President Donald Trump refusing a ceasefire, Zelenskyy could be using the China factor to bolster his demand in future talks.
The move by foreign citizens, and more so from an international power like China, aggravates the already unstable conflict and brings new concerns about the international character of war.
