Recent reports indicate that military officials from China have made visits to the frontline in Ukraine with the intention of learning tactical strategies that could be applicable to future conflicts. This development follows claims that approximately 155 Chinese nationals are currently engaged in combat alongside Russian forces. An anonymous former Western intelligence official revealed to Reuters that these visits, which reportedly included military officers in cooperation with the Russian military, aim to observe and acquire knowledge from the ongoing war in Ukraine; however, details about when these visits occurred remain undisclosed.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has mentioned that it cannot independently confirm the accuracy of this information. Additionally, U.S. officials have estimated that between 100 to 200 Chinese citizens are operating as mercenaries for Russia, detached from any formal directives from the Chinese government. It appears that these individuals may have voluntarily signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense, rather than being directed by officials from China. Reports suggest that Russia has been leveraging social media platforms and financial incentives in their efforts to recruit Chinese nationals, an assertion supported by Ukrainian President Zelensky, who stated that Russian forces are advertising on social networks to entice Chinese citizens. Some of those who responded to these advertisements reportedly travelled to Moscow for medical assessments and military training prior to deployment in Ukraine.
In a related development, a missile strike by Russian forces killed at least 32 individuals in the Ukrainian city of Sumy, as residents gathered to commemorate Palm Sunday. Local authorities confirmed that two ballistic missiles struck central areas of the city around 10:30 a.m., resulting in severe casualties. Images shared on official channels depicted a tragic scene, with many black body bags lining the streets and additional victims seen covered with foil blankets amidst the wreckage.
5 Comments
Katchuka
A missile strike killing civilians is a tragedy, regardless of who's behind it. Don't use a humanitarian catastrophe to push your narrative!
Noir Black
So, some Chinese nationals are fighting. Sounds more like individuals making their own choices, not a state-sponsored conspiracy.
Loubianka
The description is very limited. Only Russian social media is being used for recruitment? What about the EU and the USA?
Matzomaster
The fact that China is learning from the war, regardless of its intentions, is a strategic implication that needs serious consideration.
Rotfront
The US has advisors involved in conflicts around the world, so why is China's involvement suddenly a scandal? Double standards much?