Ukraine has revealed there are more than 150 Chinese soldiers fighting for Vladimir Putin’s Russia – just days after capturing two troops on the frontline. The Ukranian accusation comes after saying it had gathered detailed information on more than 150 mercenaries Moscow allegedly recruited through social media.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that the Ukrainian military had captured two Chinese men fighting alongside the Russian army on Ukrainian soil. It was the first time Ukraine had made such a claim about Chinese fighters in the war. China called the allegations “totally unfounded.”
On Wednesday, Zelensky said he was willing to exchange the two prisoners of war for Ukrainian soldiers held captive in Russia. Without providing evidence, Zelensky said officials in Beijing were aware of Russia’s campaign to recruit Chinese mercenaries. He stopped short of saying the Chinese government authorised the mercenaries’ involvement in Ukraine.
Zelensky said Ukraine has the last names and passport data for 155 Chinese citizens fighting for the Russian army and that “we believe that there are many more of them.” He shared with journalists documents listing names, passport numbers and personal details of the alleged Chinese recruits, including when they arrived in Russia for military training and departed for service.
China has provided strong diplomatic support for Russia since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
It has also sold Russia machinery and microelectronics that it can use to make weapons, Western officials say, in addition to providing an economic lifeline through the trade in energy and consumer goods.
China is not believed to have knowingly provided Russia with troops, weapons or military expertise. US officials have accused Iran of providing Russia with drones, while American and South Korean officials say North Korea has sent thousands of troops and ammunition to help Russia on the battlefield.
With the US and Europe having provided substantial military support and diplomatic heft for Ukraine, the war has to some degree become a contest between power blocs.
Tensions between the U.S. and China have deepened in recent years. Disputes have centered on geopolitical influence, technology and trade – and recently escalating import tariffs between the countries have roiled global financial markets. Zelensky said U.S. officials expressed “surprise” when informed of the presence of Chinese mercenaries in Ukraine.
President Donald Trump is trying to follow through on a campaign promise last year to swiftly end the war in Ukraine.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said at a briefing in Washington on Tuesday that reports of Chinese citizens fighting on behalf of Russia were “disturbing.”
“China is a major enabler of Russia in the war in Ukraine,” Bruce said. China provides nearly 80% of the dual-use items Russia needs to sustain the war, she claimed.
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