Asger Risom
Ukrainian intelligence services have identified at least 163 Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces since early April, with President Volodymyr Zelensky stating the actual number is likely higher.
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Ukrainian intelligence services have identified at least 163 Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces since early April, with President Volodymyr Zelensky stating the actual number is likely higher.
“Currently, 155 Chinese citizens are fighting against Ukrainians on our territory,” Zelensky told reporters on April 9. “We’re gathering more information—we believe there are many more,” he added, as reported by Digi24.
Chinese Fighters Captured in Donetsk
The revelation follows the capture of two Chinese nationals by Ukrainian forces in the eastern Donetsk region.
According to Zelensky, the group of six Chinese fighters clashed with Ukrainian troops, with two now in the custody of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
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Identified as Wang Guangjun (born 1991) and Zhang Renbo (born 1998), the men were captured near Belohorivka and Tarasivka, respectively.
One of them reportedly paid 300,000 rubles (around $3,000) to a Chinese middleman in exchange for a spot in the Russian military, with the promise of Russian citizenship.
Documents obtained by Kyiv Independent provide passport data, personal details, military units, and even photographs of several Chinese citizens now confirmed to be serving in Russian units, including the 70th Guards Separate Motor Rifle Brigade and the 255th Motor Rifle Division.
Kyiv Summons Chinese Diplomat, Beijing Responds
In response to the incident, President Zelensky instructed Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiha to engage with Beijing for an official explanation. Ukraine also summoned China’s chargé d’affaires in Kyiv to condemn the participation of Chinese nationals in Russia’s war effort.
“Beijing is aware. The Russians are circulating recruitment ads on Chinese social media,” Zelensky said. He emphasized that these individuals are “fighting against us, using weapons against Ukrainians on Ukrainian soil.”
China’s foreign ministry said it was “verifying” the claims and reiterated that Chinese citizens are prohibited from taking part in foreign armed conflicts.
U.S. Calls Situation ‘Concerning’
The U.S. State Department has expressed concern over the reports. “We’re aware of these developments and are monitoring the situation closely,” spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on April 8.
The case of foreign nationals—particularly from a major geopolitical player like China—actively fighting in Ukraine on Russia’s behalf adds new strain to already tense global dynamics surrounding the war.
With battlefield footage and documents now in the public domain, pressure is mounting for Beijing to clarify its position and for international bodies to investigate potential violations of neutrality and sovereignty.
