Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Moscow of deliberately pulling China into the war in Ukraine by recruiting Chinese nationals to fight on the frontlines.
Speaking to journalists in Kyiv on Wednesday, Zelensky claimed that Ukrainian forces had identified more than 150 Chinese citizens fighting for Russia and alleged that Beijing was aware of these recruitments. The remarks followed reports that Ukrainian troops had captured two Chinese fighters in the Donetsk region.
“This kind of overt involvement of Chinese citizens in combat operations is a deliberate step towards escalating the war,” said Zelensky. “It’s clear Russia is attempting to prolong the conflict by drawing in other countries.”
Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to release the captured Chinese individuals in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russia.
His comments came just hours after Beijing rejected claims that significant numbers of its citizens were fighting for Russia, calling the allegations “absolutely groundless”. China’s foreign ministry also reiterated its call for citizens to avoid participating in armed conflicts abroad.
“This is Russia’s second mistake. The first was involving North Korea. Now they are trying to drag China into this war,” said Zelensky.
According to Ukrainian, South Korean, and Western intelligence reports, North Korea sent over 10,000 troops to support Russia after Ukraine’s cross-border strike on the Russian Kursk region last year.
Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence had collected names and passport details of 155 Chinese nationals allegedly recruited by Russia, with more suspected. A senior Ukrainian official shared a document with AFP listing 168 Chinese citizens believed to be serving in the Russian army.
Zelensky stopped short of accusing the Chinese government of directly sending troops, but claimed Beijing was aware of the recruitment process. He said Chinese nationals were being targeted via social media platforms such as TikTok and other local networks.
“It is obvious how they are being recruited. The Russians are posting adverts on Chinese social media platforms,” he said. “And Beijing is aware of this.”
A day earlier, Zelensky had published a video showing one of the two captured Chinese fighters, wearing military fatigues with his hands bound. In the footage, the man made combat-related noises and spoke a few words in Mandarin. Ukrainian forces reportedly found Chinese identity documents and contracts for Russian military service on them.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed the allegations, insisting the Chinese government had always urged its citizens to steer clear of armed conflict. He said Beijing was verifying details of the captured individuals with Ukraine.
“The Ukrainian side should correctly assess China’s efforts and constructive role in promoting a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis,” Lin said, maintaining that China’s stance on the war had been widely recognised by the international community.
Although China claims neutrality in the war and insists it does not supply weapons to either side, it maintains a close partnership with Russia. NATO has previously described China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s war efforts.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the allegations when asked during a daily press briefing.
Zelensky also said Washington had expressed concern about the presence of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, calling it “unacceptable”.
On future defence cooperation, he revealed that Ukraine had indicated its readiness to purchase a significant amount of military equipment from the US, saying Kyiv could allocate up to $50 billion.
“We’re prepared to find $30 to $50 billion to buy American military equipment,” he said, adding that Ukrainian officials were scheduled to meet with a US delegation next week as part of ongoing efforts to discuss a potential ceasefire agreement.
