Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says at least 155 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia in the war.
His comments come after two Chinese fighters were captured earlier this week – marking Kyiv’s first official allegation that China was supplying Russia with manpower.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Zelensky reiterated his claim that there are “many more” Chinese nationals engaged in the conflict, based on information gathered by his government.
China has previously denied many of its citizens are fighting for Russia, saying the claim has “no basis in facts”. Beijing has yet to respond to Zelensky’s latest figure.
On Wednesday, China’s foreign ministry’s spokesman Lin Jian said they were still “verifying the relevant situation with Ukraine” and appeared to suggest that the Chinese soldiers were operating in a private capacity.
“Let me stress that the Chinese government always asks Chinese nationals to stay away from areas of armed conflict, avoid any form of involvement in armed conflict, and in particular avoid participation in any party’s military operations,” said Lin Jian.
He also urged Ukraine to “view correctly China’s effort and constructive role for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis”.
Hours later, Zelensky doubled down on his claims, saying “the Chinese issue is serious.”
“There are 155 people with surnames, with passport data – 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine,” he said, according to remarks reported by Interfax.
He added that Russia was recruiting Chinese citizens on social media, and that “official Beijing knows about this”.
According to Zelensky, the alleged recruits receive training in Moscow before being sent out to the battlefield in Ukraine, as well as migration documents and payment.
Earlier this week, he said his forces had fought six Chinese soldiers in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region and took two prisoner. Russia declined to comment on this revelation.
The Ukrainian leader said that “Russia’s involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war”.
The US has called the reports “disturbing”.
Ukraine has in the past questioned China’s declared neutral stance. Zelensky previously alleged that Beijing supplies “elements that are part of Russia’s weaponry” and called for the country to maintain a “consistent” position.
China has been accused by the US of helping Russia make more munitions, armoured vehicles and missiles. It has also been scrutinised for allowing dual-use technology that can be used both commercially and militarily – such as computer chips and drones – to be exported to Russia.
While Beijing and Moscow are close political and economic allies, China has attempted to present itself as a neutral party in the conflict and has repeatedly denied supplying Russia with military equipment.
It defends its trade with Moscow by saying it is not selling lethal arms and “prudently handles the export of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations”.
The allegations about Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia follows Ukraine’s capture of two injured North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.
