Zelensky Accuses China of Supplying Fighters to Russia in Ukraine Conflict

In a recent statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that 155 Chinese citizens are actively participating in combat on behalf of Russia in Ukraine. He cited captured Chinese fighters as evidence and called for international attention while the Chinese government rebuffed these claims.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made alarming claims regarding the involvement of Chinese nationals in the ongoing conflict with Russia, stating that at least 155 Chinese citizens are fighting on behalf of Moscow. This assertion follows the recent capture of two Chinese soldiers, an event that Zelensky described as Kyiv's first official acknowledgment of China's potential military support to Russia.

During a press briefing, Zelensky reiterated the gravity of the situation, claiming his government has identified these individuals by name and that many more may be engaged in combat based upon intelligence reports. The Ukrainian leader has previously stated that "the Chinese issue is serious," emphasizing that the recruitment of Chinese nationals via social media is a troubling development that official Beijing is aware of.

In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese government urged a clearer interpretation of China’s role in the conflict, reiterating that the nation is a proponent of peaceful resolutions and has previously denied any involvement of its citizens in military engagements. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian asserted, "China is neither the creator nor a party to the Ukrainian crisis," and warned against making unfounded allegations about Chinese citizens participating in hostilities.

Zelensky's administration has accused Russia of training these recruits in Moscow before deploying them to combat zones under the guise of private citizen involvement with financial backing and documentation. In a video released by Zelensky, the captured Chinese soldiers can be seen discussing their experiences, including admissions of inexperience in warfare prior to their capture.

These claims have raised alarms among international observers, including U.S. officials who labeled the reports as “disturbing.” Historical context reveals that China has attempted to maintain a neutral position concerning the Ukraine war, although concerns have been voiced over its alleged support to Russia, particularly regarding dual-use technologies.

As the situation evolves, Ukraine continues to seek support from global allies, urging a reassessment of China's declared neutral stance amid mounting evidence suggesting deeper ties between Beijing and Moscow in the context of the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine has also captured North Korean soldiers, adding another layer to the complexity of international involvement in the conflict.