Zelensky's assertion comes after the capture of two Chinese fighters, prompting an official response from Beijing, which has denied involvement and urged non-participation of its citizens in conflicts.
Zelensky Accuses China of Sending Troops to Aid Russia in Ukraine Conflict
Zelensky Accuses China of Sending Troops to Aid Russia in Ukraine Conflict
The Ukrainian President claims over 150 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine, escalating tensions amid ongoing hostilities.
In a significant escalation of accusations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that at least 155 Chinese nationals are allegedly fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine. This assertion follows the recent capture of two Chinese fighters, marking Kyiv's first official claim of Chinese involvement in the conflict. In remarks made to the press, Zelensky emphasized that there are “many more” Chinese individuals engaged in combat, based on intelligence gathered by his government's agencies.
China's foreign ministry has previously dismissed such claims, insisting that they lack “basis in facts.” However, reacting to Zelensky’s latest comments, spokesperson Lin Jian indicated that the ministry is still in the process of “verifying the relevant situation with Ukraine.” Lin reiterated that the Chinese government continually advises its citizens to avoid armed conflict and any form of military involvement. Furthermore, he encouraged Ukraine to recognize China's constructive role in seeking a resolution to the crisis.
Zelensky reiterated the seriousness of the situation, elaborating that “the Chinese issue is serious” and providing details about the alleged recruits, including their surnames and passport information. The Ukrainian leader added that these individuals are reportedly recruited via social media and trained in Moscow before being deployed to the battlefield in Ukraine, where they supposedly receive documents and compensation.
Earlier in the week, Ukrainian forces reported encountering six Chinese soldiers in the eastern Donetsk region, capturing two of them, while Russian officials have refrained from commenting on the matter. Zelensky interpreted the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals as a concerning indication of Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions not to conclude the conflict.
The U.S. has expressed concern regarding these reports. Historically, Ukraine has questioned China's proclaimed neutrality, with Zelensky alleging Beijing has provided components critical to Russia's military capabilities. Accusations against China also include aiding Russia in the production of munitions and military hardware, despite China's repeated assertions that it upholds a neutral position and does not supply lethal weaponry to Moscow.
The diplomatic narrative continues to evolve, as Ukraine also recently captured two North Korean soldiers within the Russian territory, signaling a widening sphere of international implications in the region.
China's foreign ministry has previously dismissed such claims, insisting that they lack “basis in facts.” However, reacting to Zelensky’s latest comments, spokesperson Lin Jian indicated that the ministry is still in the process of “verifying the relevant situation with Ukraine.” Lin reiterated that the Chinese government continually advises its citizens to avoid armed conflict and any form of military involvement. Furthermore, he encouraged Ukraine to recognize China's constructive role in seeking a resolution to the crisis.
Zelensky reiterated the seriousness of the situation, elaborating that “the Chinese issue is serious” and providing details about the alleged recruits, including their surnames and passport information. The Ukrainian leader added that these individuals are reportedly recruited via social media and trained in Moscow before being deployed to the battlefield in Ukraine, where they supposedly receive documents and compensation.
Earlier in the week, Ukrainian forces reported encountering six Chinese soldiers in the eastern Donetsk region, capturing two of them, while Russian officials have refrained from commenting on the matter. Zelensky interpreted the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals as a concerning indication of Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions not to conclude the conflict.
The U.S. has expressed concern regarding these reports. Historically, Ukraine has questioned China's proclaimed neutrality, with Zelensky alleging Beijing has provided components critical to Russia's military capabilities. Accusations against China also include aiding Russia in the production of munitions and military hardware, despite China's repeated assertions that it upholds a neutral position and does not supply lethal weaponry to Moscow.
The diplomatic narrative continues to evolve, as Ukraine also recently captured two North Korean soldiers within the Russian territory, signaling a widening sphere of international implications in the region.
