Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shocked the world by revealing that at least 155 Chinese nationals are actively fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine. According to Zelensky, Ukrainian intelligence has gathered solid evidence, including passport data and documents, to prove the involvement of these Chinese mercenaries.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, Zelensky shared that these individuals were recruited through a Russian-backed campaign targeting Chinese social media platforms, including the widely used TikTok. They are then sent to Moscow for medical checks and training before being deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine. The recruits are issued migration cards and paid via Russia’s “Mir” payment system, the Russian equivalent of Visa or Mastercard.
“We have the personal details, including where they are from, their Chinese documents, their age, and the units they are serving in,” Zelensky stated, naming several regiments, such as the 70th, 71st, and 255th motorised rifle regiments. The revelation raises serious questions about the extent of China’s involvement in the conflict, with Zelensky suggesting that Beijing may be aware of these operations, but also hinted that some recruitment may be taking place covertly.
The revelation comes just one day after Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russian forces in the Donbas region, one of the major battlegrounds in the ongoing war. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has summoned China’s charge d’affaires to demand an explanation, warning that the discovery casts doubt on China’s claims of promoting peace and undermines its credibility as a “responsible” member of the UN Security Council.
In response, China’s Foreign Ministry denied the claims, insisting that only two Chinese nationals had been involved in the conflict and dismissing the idea of widespread Chinese mercenary involvement. A spokesperson stressed that the Chinese government has consistently urged its citizens to avoid conflict zones and stay clear of any military operations. China also reiterated its commitment to peace efforts in Ukraine and criticised Ukraine for failing to recognise China’s constructive diplomatic role.
However, further reports suggest that one of the Chinese mercenaries captured by Ukraine had paid a hefty sum of $3,530 to join the Russian forces, seeking Russian citizenship as part of the deal. This has raised eyebrows, with speculation that some recruits may be escaping legal issues back in China and using the war as a route to a better life in Russia.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is also facing concerns over the involvement of North Korean forces, with estimates suggesting around 11,000 North Koreans are fighting for Russia in the Kursk region, adding yet another layer to the growing number of foreign mercenaries engaged in the conflict.
