Zelensky told reporters on Wednesday that two Chinese fighters were recently captured in eastern Donetsk, marking Kyiv’s first formal accusation that China is providing manpower to Moscow.
“We have 155 people with passport data – 155 Chinese nationals – fighting against Ukrainians,” he said, alleging they received training in Moscow and then were deployed to Ukraine.
Beijing’s response
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday called Zelensky’s assertions “unfounded,” emphasizing that China is not a party to the conflict.
“We advise relevant parties to correctly and soberly understand China’s role,” spokesman Lin Jian told journalists, stressing that Beijing “has always required its citizens to avoid participating in any military operations.”
China has consistently denied that large numbers of its citizens are fighting on Russia’s behalf. Officials have suggested that any Chinese nationals involved are acting in a personal capacity, in violation of Chinese government instructions.
Captured fighters
In a video released on social media, two alleged Chinese soldiers spoke in Mandarin about how they were captured.
One said it was his “first time in combat,” while the other mentioned being separated from fellow Chinese fighters. They claimed to have eventually surrendered alongside Russian troops.
Zelensky accused Moscow of recruiting the fighters through social media, providing payment and travel documents, and said Beijing was aware of the situation. He called on the United States and other allies for a firm response.
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Source: Reuters, BBC