Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that intelligence reports suggest at least 155 Chinese nationals are currently fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
Speaking to journalists in Kyiv on Wednesday, Zelenskyy stated that “the ‘Chinese’ issue is serious” and warned that the actual number of Chinese fighters involved could be much higher. “We believe that there are many more of them,” he added.
According to the Ukrainian leader, Russia has allegedly been recruiting Chinese citizens through social media platforms. Zelenskyy also claimed that Chinese authorities are aware of the situation.
“There are 155 people, with names and passport details, who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said, highlighting the growing concern over foreign fighters in the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine is currently investigating whether the Chinese nationals involved have any official links to the Chinese government or are acting under its direction. Zelenskyy confirmed that efforts are underway to determine if the recruits are “receiving instructions from Beijing.”
This development comes just a day after Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian forces had captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, marking a new and concerning twist in the war.