Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised concerns over the recruitment of Chinese citizens in the ongoing conflict with Russia, claiming that at least 155 Chinese nationals are actively participating in the fighting on the Russian side. This statement follows the recent capture of two Chinese fighters by Ukrainian forces, marking the first official allegation from Kyiv suggesting that China is supplying troops to aid Russia.
In a press briefing, Zelensky referenced the captured fighters and stated there were “many more” Chinese involved, based on information collected by his government. The two captured individuals appeared in a video shared by Zelensky, which has since gone viral. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson responded, advocating for a more accurate understanding of China’s role in the conflict and emphasizing that China is a proponent for a peaceful resolution to the war.
Zelensky specifically mentioned cases of social media recruitment by Russia, asserting that Chinese citizens are being trained in Moscow before deployment in Ukraine, and are provided with necessary documentation and payment. He described this situation as a serious threat to the conflict escalation and called for an international response, especially from the United States.
Previously, Ukraine had questioned China's claims of neutrality in the conflict, with allegations that China has been indirectly supporting Russia's military capabilities. As Beijing maintains its position of not providing lethal arms, this latest claim from Zelensky adds complexity to the already intricate geopolitics surrounding the war in Ukraine. The situation continues to evolve, with implications for international relations and wartime strategies.
