Kyiv, April 10, 2025 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused China of ignoring the growing presence of its citizens fighting for Russia in Ukraine, stating that Ukrainian intelligence has identified at least 155 Chinese nationals involved in combat operations on Ukrainian soil.
“The ‘Chinese’ issue is serious. There are 155 people with names and passport details – 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said during a press briefing. “We believe that there are more, much more.”
The president’s comments come amid heightened global tensions, particularly between Washington and Beijing, as the U.S. and China engage in an escalating trade war. “The US is very surprised and believes that this is unacceptable,” Zelenskyy added, noting the geopolitical implications of Chinese nationals appearing on the battlefield.
Ukrainian authorities released two intelligence dossiers on the matter. One included the passport details and photos of 13 Chinese men aged between 19 and 45. A second listed the names, birth dates, and associated Russian military units, as well as where some of them had been recruited.
Zelenskyy emphasized that while Ukraine has not accused the Chinese government of directly authorizing the involvement of its citizens, he believes Beijing is fully aware of the situation. “We record that they [China] knew about it,” he said. “We record that these are Chinese citizens, they are fighting against us, using weapons against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine. Their motivation—money or not, politics, etcetera—is not yet known to me. But it will be known.”
China responded to the claims with denial and deflection. Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, reiterated Beijing’s neutral stance in the war, saying: “The Chinese government always asks Chinese citizens to stay away from conflict zones, avoid getting involved in any form of armed conflict, and especially refrain from participating in any party’s military operations.” He called reports of significant Chinese involvement in Ukraine “totally unfounded.”
However, Zelenskyy alleged that Russia has been actively recruiting Chinese nationals, using platforms like TikTok and other Chinese social media networks. Once recruited, the individuals reportedly travel to Russia—typically to Moscow—where they undergo medical evaluations over three to four days, receive one to two months of military training, and are then deployed to occupied territories in Ukraine.
He also noted that these fighters are given official Russian migration cards and payment access, suggesting state-level facilitation. “Beijing is aware of this,” Zelenskyy said firmly.
On Tuesday, Ukraine confirmed the capture of two Chinese nationals on the battlefield: Wang Guangjun, born in 1991, and Zhang Renbo, born in 1998. Ukrainian officials said they were open to exchanging the two men for Ukrainian prisoners currently held by Russia.
Zelenskyy’s remarks may also be intended to pressure Washington into firming up support for Kyiv at a time when U.S.-Ukraine relations remain strained. President Donald Trump has been urging a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia to end the three-year war. Zelenskyy may be hoping Trump’s hardline stance on China will work in Ukraine’s favor.
“I am not aware that China gave some kind of command,” Zelenskyy acknowledged, “but we believe they knew. And knowing, they allowed it to happen.”
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