Camilla Jessen
Beijing confirms two Chinese nationals were captured fighting for Russia in Ukraine, but distances itself from any official ties.
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he Chinese government has confirmed that two of its citizens were captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
The acknowledgement follows reports from Ukrainian authorities that the men were detained during active combat and were in possession of documents and items identifying them as Chinese nationals.
In a response to Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian denied any official involvement by Beijing in their participation and stated that the government is currently investigating the matter.
The Chinese government’s position is very clear,” Lin said. “We have issued numerous warnings and asked Chinese citizens to stay away from armed conflict zones, avoid participating in armed conflicts in any form, and avoid participating in military operations of any side,
China Promises Consular Response—Eventually
While confirming the men are Chinese citizens, Lin emphasized that Beijing is still “verifying” the situation and will assess their actions under Chinese law once all facts are known.
The Chinese side will consider the behavior of individual Chinese citizens abroad in accordance with current legislation and take necessary consular and other actions.
He also criticized what he called attempts by unnamed parties to “politically manipulate” the situation for self-promotion.
We ask all relevant parties to correctly understand China’s objective and fair position and to refrain from political manipulation and using this situation for their own PR or advertising.
China Walks Diplomatic Tightrope Over Ukraine
China continues to describe Russia’s full-scale invasion as the “Ukrainian crisis,” and maintains what it calls a “neutral” stance.
Beijing has repeatedly called for peace negotiations while avoiding direct condemnation of Russia’s actions.
But the confirmed presence of Chinese citizens among Russian forces now places China in a more uncomfortable diplomatic position.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, more than 150 Chinese nationals have been identified fighting for Russia. Ukrainian intelligence reports and captured documents show at least 51 Chinese citizens were recruited through a Moscow-based center between 2023 and 2024.
The two Chinese prisoners recently captured by Ukrainian forces had bank cards, IDs, and personal documents, indicating they were not acting covertly but were integrated into Russian military units.