Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has intensified his claims that Chinese nationals are actively fighting for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating that at least 155 Chinese citizens have taken part in the conflict.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Zelensky doubled down on earlier remarks following the capture of two Chinese fighters earlier this week — the first time Ukraine has officially alleged that China may be contributing manpower to Russia’s war effort.
“There are 155 people with surnames, with passport data – 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine,” Zelensky said, according to remarks reported by Interfax. He claimed this information came from intelligence gathered by the Ukrainian government.
He also alleged that Russia is recruiting Chinese nationals via social media, providing them with military training in Moscow, along with migration documents and payment, before deploying them to the battlefield.
Zelensky posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), which appears to show the interrogation of the two captured Chinese soldiers, both speaking in Mandarin. One soldier stated, “It was my first time on duty and first time in combat. Before this I had never even fired a gun.” He added he was captured alongside a Russian soldier. The second detainee said he had been separated from a group of fellow Chinese fighters during the chaos. “Everyone dispersed, I don’t know if they’re dead or not,” he said, adding that he eventually surrendered along with Russian troops.
Zelensky labeled the alleged presence of Chinese fighters “a serious issue” and called for a global response. “Ukraine believes that such blatant involvement of Chinese citizens in hostilities on the territory of Ukraine during the war of aggression is a deliberate step towards the expansion of the war, and is yet another indication that Moscow simply needs to drag out the fighting,” he said on X.
The Chinese government swiftly responded to the allegations. On Thursday, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said: “We advise relevant parties to correctly and soberly understand China’s role and not to make irresponsible remarks.”
“China is neither the creator nor a party to the Ukrainian crisis. We are a staunch supporter and active promoter of the peaceful resolution of the crisis,” Lin added.
While Beijing has previously denied claims of Chinese involvement in the war, Lin reiterated that any Chinese nationals fighting in Ukraine are doing so on their own accord. “China has always required its citizens to stay away from armed conflict areas and avoid being involved in armed conflicts in any form, especially to avoid participating in military operations of any party.”
Beijing has consistently maintained that it does not support Russia militarily and claims there is “no basis in facts” to allegations that its citizens are taking part in combat. Nonetheless, the U.S. and other Western countries have accused China of indirectly aiding Russia by providing dual-use technologies — such as drones and microchips — that can be used in military applications. Washington has also claimed that China is helping Russia produce munitions, armoured vehicles, and missiles.
The Biden administration described the recent reports as “disturbing”, further raising concerns about Beijing’s true role in the conflict.
Despite China’s close political and economic ties with Moscow, it continues to portray itself as a neutral actor, insisting it has not supplied lethal arms and only trades with Russia under strict export controls.
This development comes shortly after Ukraine announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in the Kursk region, raising broader questions about the extent of foreign involvement in Russia’s military campaign.
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