Zelensky Claims Presence of Chinese Mercenaries Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, around 155 Chinese mercenaries are participating in the conflict on behalf of the Russian military against Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence has indicated that the Kremlin is utilizing social media to recruit Chinese nationals, a situation that Beijing is reportedly aware of, as stated by Zelensky. As Kyiv investigates whether these individuals are being directed by the Chinese government, Zelensky emphasized that the intelligence gathered includes detailed documentation revealing the identities, passport details, and the timeline of the recruits' arrival in Russia for military preparations.

During a recent announcement, Zelensky mentioned that Ukrainian forces had captured two Chinese fighters in the eastern Donetsk region, marking the first instance of such claims regarding Chinese involvement in the conflict. He expressed that there may be a significantly larger number of Chinese fighters present, and he indicated Ukraine's willingness to negotiate an exchange of these prisoners for captured Ukrainian soldiers in Russia.

While Zelensky did not confirm any direct involvement from the Chinese government in these recruitment efforts, he noted that Chinese officials are aware of Russia's attempts to enlist their citizens, though he did not present concrete evidence to support this assertion. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, China has maintained strong diplomatic ties with Russia, providing materials that could assist in warfare and facilitating trade relationships. Despite this support, China has insisted that it does not knowingly supply troops, arms, or military strategies to Russia. A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry reiterated the government's warning to its citizens to avoid conflict zones and refrain from participation in military actions.

In light of these developments, US officials have expressed concern, with reports of Chinese mercenaries fighting for Russia eliciting surprise from American authorities. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce characterized the presence of Chinese nationals in the conflict as troubling, asserting that China plays a significant enabling role for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.