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KYIV, Ukraine – Two Chinese nationals, identified as prisoners of war, were presented at a press conference held by Ukrainian authorities on Monday. The men, Wang Guangjun, 34, and Zhang Renbo, 27, detailed their recruitment into the Russian military and subsequent capture in the Donetsk region, a key area of conflict in Ukraine. Wang Guangjun stated that appealing videos circulating on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, initially attracted him to join the Russian forces.
Chinese Nationals Detail Enlistment in Russian Military
During a two-hour press briefing held on Monday, Wang Guangjun, 34, and another Chinese man identified as Zhang Renbo, recounted their experiences in the Russian armed forces and their eventual deployment to the front lines in Ukraine. Both individuals were apprehended in Donetsk, according to Ukrainian officials on Wednesday. While Business Insider could not independently verify these accounts, the men’s descriptions align with content prevalent on Chinese social media platforms.
Wang, speaking to the press in Mandarin, described himself as a former “ordinary employee” in China, working as a rehabilitation therapist.
“My family life was quite harmonious, with a wife, children, and parents,” Wang stated. “However, due to the pandemic situation in China, I lost my employment. I began seeking any form of work, which ultimately led me to this predicament.”
Wang disclosed that he had viewed “eye-catching and impressive” videos of Russian soldiers and weaponry on Douyin while in China.
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“In China, military service and the social standing of soldiers are highly esteemed, particularly among the general public,” Wang explained. “Many Chinese men harbor aspirations of military success. When opportunities to serve as a soldier are limited in China, and one encounters such prospects abroad, it can ignite a sense of excitement. This sentiment motivated my decision.”
Bytedance, the parent company of Douyin and TikTok, has not yet issued a response to a request for comment.
Claims of Misleading Recruitment Tactics
Wang Guangjun indicated that he responded to a video advertisement promoting roles within the Russian military focused on providing rehabilitation therapy for injured soldiers.
“The advertisement suggested that due to the ongoing conflict in Russia over the past two years, there was a significant need for rehabilitation therapists to treat wounded personnel,” he elaborated.
He further asserted that the video explicitly stated that the position would not involve combat operations against Ukraine.
“Upon arriving in Moscow and reporting for duty, I received similar assurances. However, after being directed to the recruitment center, completing the enlistment process, and being transported to a training camp, I realized I had lost control over my situation,” Wang admitted. “At that point, I was no longer able to make independent choices.”
Chinese social media platforms frequently feature pro-Russia content, including videos showcasing Chechen special forces and weaponry, as well as idealized portrayals of young Russian soldiers. State-controlled media consistently emphasizes the “unlimited” partnership between Moscow and Beijing.
Despite this, Wang mentioned that Chinese authorities had cautioned him against traveling to Russia for employment, a warning he disregarded. Both Wang and Zhang affirmed that they have no affiliation with Chinese security or military organizations.
According to Wang, he underwent a brief training period in Moscow before being dispatched to the Russian cities of Kazan and Rostov in February. He stated that he was eventually deployed to northern Donetsk on April 4, where he was subsequently captured by Ukrainian forces.
“Vacation” Turns into Wartime Deployment
Zhang Renbo offered a contrasting account, stating that he was employed as a firefighter in Shanghai and had traveled to Russia for a vacation in December.
Zhang explained that he sought temporary employment while on vacation to “earn some supplementary income.” He was initially offered construction work but later discovered that the job was situated within a war zone.
“Chinese media and state outlets consistently emphasize our friendly relations with Russia, fostering a sense of trust. It is possible that this trust has been exploited,” Zhang commented.
He stated that he was sent to Rostov in early January, underwent approximately six days of training, and was subsequently transferred to Donetsk. Zhang reported spending about a month in trenches until March 31, when he and two other soldiers were instructed to advance on the front lines, leading to their capture.
Both Wang and Zhang expressed their collective desire that their public statements would bring their situation to the attention of the Chinese government and prompt negotiations for their repatriation.
“To my fellow Chinese citizens contemplating participation in the conflict against Ukraine, I strongly advise against involvement in this war,” Wang urged.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that his government estimates over 150 Chinese nationals are engaged in fighting for the Russian military in Ukraine.
“North Koreans have been documented fighting against us in the Kursk region, while Chinese individuals are engaged in combat against us in Ukraine,” Zelenskyy remarked on April 8.
Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, characterized Zelenskyy’s assertions as “irresponsible.”
“The Chinese government consistently instructs Chinese citizens to remain distant from areas of armed conflict, to abstain from any form of involvement in armed conflict, and specifically to avoid participation in any military operations conducted by any party,” Lin Jian stated.