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Reports Indicate Chinese Nationals Fighting for Russia in Ukraine
Recent intelligence reports suggest a growing number of foreign fighters in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to a Ukrainian intelligence document, over 150 Chinese citizens are reportedly engaged in combat on the Russian side. This information, reviewed by the Kyiv Independent, is further supported by a separate document allegedly containing passport details and photographs of 13 Chinese nationals who were under consideration for service in the Russian Armed Forces as of early April.
Zelensky Confirms Presence of Chinese Fighters, Alleges Beijing’s Involvement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the issue on April 9, stating to the media, “There are 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine. We are gathering information, and we believe the actual number is likely higher.” President Zelensky elaborated that for these 155 individuals, Ukrainian authorities possess passport information, details of origin, Chinese identification documents, ages, and other pertinent data. He specified that these Chinese fighters have been identified as serving within various Russian military units, including the 70th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade and the 255th Rifle Division.
Captured Chinese Soldiers Raise Concerns
Earlier in the week, Ukrainian forces engaged in clashes with Chinese soldiers in eastern Ukraine, resulting in the capture of two individuals. President Zelensky reported that a group of six Chinese soldiers were involved in this particular encounter and accused Beijing of effectively aligning with Russia’s military actions. He drew a parallel between the captured Chinese fighters and North Korean troops previously apprehended for assisting Russia.
Details of Capture and Investigation
In a statement shared on social media platform X, President Zelensky announced, “Our military has captured two Chinese citizens fighting within the Russian army. This occurred on Ukrainian territory, specifically in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.”
President Zelensky further emphasized the possibility of a larger presence of Chinese nationals within Russian military formations, stating, “We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier’s units than just these two. We are currently verifying all the facts—intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and relevant units of the Armed Forces are actively working on this.”
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Ukraine Seeks Clarification from Beijing
Following the capture of the Chinese soldiers, President Zelensky instructed Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to establish contact with Beijing. In response, Beijing stated that they are “verifying” the provided information concerning the alleged involvement of Chinese citizens in the conflict.
Contrasting Roles of Foreign Forces
Speaking to reporters, President Zelensky highlighted the implications of Chinese involvement, asserting, “This is another country that militarily supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.” He then drew a distinction with previous instances of foreign involvement, noting, “But there is a difference: the North Koreans fought against us on the front in Kursk, the Chinese are fighting on the territory of Ukraine.” This statement appears to suggest a perceived escalation or shift in the nature of foreign support for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, differentiating between actions in Russian territory near the border and direct combat within Ukraine itself.
It is reported that North Korea had previously dispatched approximately 12,000 soldiers to Russia’s Kursk Oblast last year. These troops were reportedly intended to reinforce Russian positions in the region, which is partially under Ukrainian control.