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Chinese Recruits Fighting for Russia in Ukraine Recount Deception and Mistreatment
Kyiv, Ukraine – Chinese nationals who enlisted to fight for Russian forces in Ukraine have confessed to being misled, stating they were unaware they would be deployed to engage in combat in Ukrainian territories. These recruits attribute their enlistment to deceptive Russian propaganda and promises of lucrative salaries and swift contract terminations, only to face harsh realities on the front lines.
Captured Soldiers Cite Propaganda and False Promises
Several Chinese fighters have reported that Russian recruiters utilized propaganda, particularly on platforms popular in China, to lure them into military service. The promises included high pay and the option for early contract release. However, upon arrival at the war zone, these recruits claim their Russian commanders subjected them to dehumanizing treatment.
Confirmation of Chinese Fighters’ Presence
Earlier this month, the presence of Chinese combatants within Russian military units was officially acknowledged following the capture of two Chinese citizens, Wang Guangjun and Zhang Renbo. Ukrainian forces presented the captured individuals to the media.
During interviews conducted by Ukrainian military officials, Wang and Zhang appeared disoriented and, at the same time, relieved. They conveyed a sense of gratitude towards their Ukrainian captors for rescuing them from their Russian superiors.
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Wang Guangjun’s Testimony
Propaganda on Chinese Social Media
Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Wang Guangjun stated that Russian propaganda videos circulating on the Chinese version of TikTok motivated him to join the military after job loss. He warned fellow citizens against enlisting, saying, “To my compatriots who want to join the Ukraine war, I want to say: don’t take part in this war… I want to apologize to my parents. My only wish is to follow all the instructions that will help me return home.”
Zhang Renbo’s Account
Disillusionment with the Reality of War
Zhang Renbo admitted his ignorance about Ukraine prior to the conflict and expressed his desire not to be returned to Russia in any prisoner exchange. He somberly stated, “When you really participate in the war, when the moment of the fighting comes, you will find that everything is a lie.”
“Red Macaron” Shares Grim Experiences
Further details regarding the experiences of Chinese soldiers in Ukraine emerged from an extensive interview with a recruit known as “Red Macaron.” This interview, conducted by independent Chinese broadcaster Chai Jing, was disseminated on YouTube last month.
In a FaceTime interview from a trench in Bakhmut, located in Ukraine’s occupied Donetsk region, Red Macaron communicated his realization of imminent danger and his decision to “share some real life experiences… and tell (the Chinese people) what war is like for an ordinary soldier.”
He confessed, “I made the wrong choice joining this war… every inch of ground is taken with blood, there’s nothing noble about it, nothing cool… or good. There’s no humanity, no morality,”
Allegations of Abuse and Mistreatment
Red Macaron detailed instances of mistreatment by Russian commanders, particularly directed at non-white foreign fighters. He recounted racial insults aimed at Black, Arab, and Chinese soldiers.
He claimed a Russian officer threatened to kill foreign mercenaries after the war, stating, “‘Right now, it’s wartime, the war is still going on. But once the war’s over, how about we kill the lot of you? You won’t be going home alive.'”
Substandard Equipment and Punishments
Macaron also described receiving outdated weaponry and malfunctioning equipment before deployments. He obtained used body armor from a deceased soldier, but alleges his commanding officer confiscated it. Following complaints about his treatment, he was reportedly confined to a “punishment pit,” a small enclosed space with limited access to basic necessities.
He explained the impact of this treatment: “After the first time I was released from the pit, my will to fight was gone. Why would I want to fight for someone who throws me in a dungeon, someone who treats me like that? I felt like they had no respect for me at all,”
Ukraine’s Stance and China’s Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on April 8th that Ukraine believes at least 155 Chinese citizens are engaged in combat on the front lines. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the Chinese ambassador was summoned by Ukraine seeking clarification on the matter.
Sybiha added that the presence of Chinese fighters supporting Russia “puts into question China’s declared stance for peace.”
Beijing swiftly refuted the Ukrainian government’s assertions, dismissing them as “totally unfounded.” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian labeled the suggestion of widespread Chinese participation in the conflict as “absolutely groundless,” reiterating that the Chinese government advises citizens to avoid conflict zones and refrain from armed conflict involvement.
Contrary to official denials, Red Macaron estimated “at least a few hundred” Chinese fighters had joined Russian forces.
Expert Commentary
NATO members have described China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s invasion. Despite calls for peaceful resolution from Beijing, China has not openly condemned Russia’s actions.
Philip Ingram MBE, a retired British Army colonel and military intelligence specialist, commented, “I am not surprised Chinese nationals have been captured.” He suggested that while China may not officially deploy troops, they might not discourage individual enlistment and could be sending liaison personnel for combat experience in a covert manner.
Earlier Reports of Chinese Fighters
While Zelensky’s recent acknowledgement marks official recognition, reports of Chinese nationals fighting in Ukraine predate this month. Radio Free Europe cited a Chinese national in February who confirmed previous combat experience in Russia before returning home, according to correspondent Mark Krutov.
Propaganda and Recruitment
Foreign fighters have participated on both sides of the conflict. Russia faces accusations of using extensive propaganda campaigns and paid social media advertising to recruit foreign individuals.
Red Macaron urged Chinese citizens against considering joining the Russian military, aiming to dampen any enthusiasm for war within China. He cautioned, “I hope China can maintain a sensible stance and avoid rashly starting or getting drawn into a war. A lot of people watch these exaggerated patriotic dramas that glorify war like Wolf Warrior and Drawing Sword and they get all fired up. But the reality of battle is incredibly brutal. It’s literally hell on earth.”
He concluded, “Why should I be cannon fodder in someone else’s war? Before I came, I didn’t know that’s how they’d treat me.”