Kyiv [Ukraine], April 10 (ANI): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made serious allegations regarding the involvement of Chinese citizens in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, calling it a result of “systematic Russian efforts” to recruit foreign nationals, including on Chinese territory.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is actively investigating these developments.
“We continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the involvement of Chinese citizens in the Russian occupation forces,” he wrote, noting that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is conducting procedural actions with two Chinese POWs recently captured in the Donetsk region.
He emphasized this is not an isolated incident:
“It is crystal clear that these are not isolated cases, but rather systematic Russian efforts… to recruit citizens of [China] for the war.”
Zelenskyy called for measures to prevent Russia from exploiting such international channels to fuel and expand its aggression.
China Responds with Caution
Reacting to Zelenskyy’s remarks, China pushed back diplomatically, calling for restraint. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian advised:
“We urge relevant parties to refrain from making irresponsible remarks… and to view China’s role in the conflict objectively and rationally.”
While Beijing stopped short of naming Zelenskyy directly, its comments reflect a growing discomfort over being drawn deeper into the geopolitical fallout of the war.
Kremlin Denies Claims, Defends China
The Kremlin swiftly rejected the allegations. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said:
“Zelenskyy is wrong… China remains a partner, friend, and comrade. It has always taken a very balanced position.”
The Bigger Picture
This is the first time Ukraine has publicly accused Chinese nationals of participating in Russia’s military operations, adding a new dimension to the geopolitical tension surrounding the war. Zelenskyy claims to have evidence of 155 Chinese nationals involved, and China’s denial will likely be closely scrutinized in the coming days.
If proven, the recruitment of foreign nationals—including Chinese citizens—by Russian forces could further strain China’s image as a neutral actor, and complicate its balancing act between strategic ties with Moscow and maintaining diplomatic credibility on the global stage.
(ANI)
About The Author
