In a recent development out of Ukraine, authorities there have expanded their assertion that a considerable number of Chinese nationals are actively participating as mercenaries with the Russian military. Ukrainian officials have gathered intelligence on over 150 Chinese mercenaries whom Moscow is alleged to have recruited through various social media platforms. Meanwhile, Chinese officials have labeled these allegations as “totally unfounded,” further intensifying the debate.
This dispute between Ukraine and China emerges amidst ongoing efforts by the U.S. to negotiate a ceasefire in the conflict that has surpassed three years. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently stated that the Ukrainian military had captured two Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces. This marked the first instance Ukraine has accused Chinese fighters of being involved in the war.
President Zelenskyy has offered to swap the two prisoners for Ukrainian soldiers imprisoned in Russia. While refraining from directly implicating the Chinese government in authorizing such actions, Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukrainian officials suspect Chinese authorities are aware of Russia’s recruitment activities. Zelenskyy claimed to possess last names and passport information for 155 Chinese citizens engaged with the Russian military and suggested that their numbers could be higher.
China, since Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022, has publicly supported Moscow, providing economic support through trade and supplies of machinery and microelectronics, which Western officials argue may contribute to weapon manufacturing. However, China is not believed to have supplied troops, weaponry, or direct military training to Russia.
On the global stage, U.S. officials have separately accused Iran of supplying drones and claim North Korea has sent both troops and ammunition to aid Russian forces. The involvement of numerous international powers has positioned the war as a clash between larger geopolitical blocs.
In light of the recent allegations, the U.S. expressed surprise upon learning about the presence of Chinese mercenaries in Ukraine. U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the reports as “disturbing,” emphasizing China’s role as a significant enabler for Russia. Despite these concerns, Keith Kellogg, a special envoy appointed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, remains skeptical, suggesting that the evidence of Chinese involvement is insufficient to confirm if these individuals are more than just volunteers.
In Europe, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, also pointed to China’s crucial role in sustaining Russia’s war efforts. She highlighted the continued flow of dual-use goods from China to Russia, which U.S. assessments claim are integral for producing military hardware.
The Chinese government has responded, denying any orchestrated involvement by Chinese citizens in the conflict. Their official stance is to dissuade citizens from engaging in foreign conflicts. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized China’s constructive attempts to politically address the crisis and reiterated calls for Chinese nationals to avoid conflict zones.
Amidst ongoing military conflicts, both Ukrainian and Russian forces continue to engage along extensive frontlines, bolstered by troop deployments from partner nations. As the war rages on, both sides appear to be gearing up for further military campaigns in the upcoming spring and summer months. Recent hostilities have included significant drone attacks on both sides, including in major cities in Ukraine and Russia. Despite calls for peace, the situation remains volatile as both sides continue to retaliate with military might.