Zelenskiy says at least 155 Chinese nationals fighting on Russia s side

KYIV - President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 9 that Ukrainian intelligence had information about 155 Chinese citizens fighting for the Russian military against Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader was speaking to reporters after the capture of two Chinese nationals in eastern Ukraine, where Russian troops have been advancing. He said he hoped the US would speak to Moscow about the battlefield deployment of Chinese citizens.

Mr Zelensky said Russia was recruiting Chinese citizens via social media, that Chinese officials were aware of it and that Ukraine’s security service had compiled lists of names, birth dates and the Russian military units where they were assigned.

Ukraine was trying to assess whether the recruits were receiving instructions from Beijing, he said.

“The Chinese issue is serious,” Mr Zelensky said. “There are 155 people with names and passport details – 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine. We are collecting information and believe that there are more, many more.”

Mr Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to exchange the captured Chinese nationals for Ukrainian servicemen now in detention.

Reuters could not independently verify the claims.

China, which has declared a “no-limits” partnership with Russia, has tried to position itself as an actor in attempts to negotiate an end to the war. It has refrained from criticising Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

On April 9, China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed as “groundless” Mr Zelensky’s remarks that more Chinese nationals were on the front line alongside Russians.

“Ukraine should correctly view China’s efforts and constructive role in seeking a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular news conference.

China was verifying the situation with Ukraine, he said, adding that its government had always required its citizens to avoid areas of armed conflict and “especially