KYIV, Ukraine. Ukrainian officials revealed on Wednesday that over 150 Chinese nationals are allegedly fighting for Russia’s invading forces in Ukraine, expanding on earlier claims of Chinese mercenaries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that two Chinese men had been captured while fighting alongside Russian troops on Ukrainian soil. This marks the first time Ukraine has reported the involvement of Chinese fighters in the war.
Zelenskyy stated, “We believe there are many more of them,” as he shared documents listing the names, passport numbers, and other personal details of 155 Chinese citizens allegedly involved in combat. These documents, which have not been independently verified, outline when the recruits arrived in Russia for military training and when they departed for service.
Ukrainian officials also noted that this number could rise as they continue to investigate Russia’s recruitment efforts. “More far side samples are required for testing and further unraveling,” said Zelenskyy in an email, referring to his team’s efforts to identify other foreign mercenaries.
In response to these allegations, China firmly rejected any involvement in recruiting mercenaries. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that the Chinese government urges its citizens to avoid conflict zones and not engage in military operations, especially those involving foreign armies. “The Chinese government always asks Chinese citizens to stay away from conflict zones,” Lin stated at a press briefing.
While China has been a diplomatic ally to Russia, providing machinery and economic support during the war, there has been no evidence to suggest the Chinese government has directly facilitated military involvement. The situation has, however, raised tensions between the U.S. and China, with U.S. officials expressing concern over China’s role in enabling Russia’s military efforts.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called the reports of Chinese mercenaries “disturbing,” describing China as a major enabler of Russia’s war by supplying critical dual-use goods such as machinery and microelectronics. Bruce claimed that China provides nearly 80% of the materials Russia needs to sustain its war effort.
Keith Kellogg, the former U.S. special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, urged caution, suggesting that the reports may not yet fully reflect the situation. “Let’s sit back and see how this plays out because it could be volunteers,” Kellogg said, noting that Ukraine also has foreign volunteers fighting on its behalf.
Meanwhile, fighting continues to escalate along Ukraine’s eastern front. In the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk, a massive drone attack injured a young girl and her family. Ukraine’s air force confirmed that 55 Russian Shahed drones were launched overnight, while Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down 158 Ukrainian drones over several regions.
As both sides prepare for upcoming spring-summer campaigns, the war’s international implications continue to evolve, with increasing foreign involvement complicating diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
