China has dismissed as “absolutely groundless” allegations from Ukraine claiming that “many” Chinese nationals are participating in combat alongside Russian forces against Ukraine.
“The Chinese side is verifying relevant information with the Ukrainian side,” stated spokesperson Lin Jian, noting that “the Chinese government has consistently advised its citizens to avoid areas of armed conflict (and) refrain from participating in armed conflicts in any form.”
This response from China follows President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement that Ukrainian forces detained two Chinese citizens fighting for Russian troops in the Donetsk region.
“We possess documents of these prisoners, along with bank cards and personal information,” Mr. Zelensky mentioned in a social media post yesterday, which included footage of one of the alleged Chinese detainees.
Our military has captured two Chinese nationals who were engaged with the Russian army. This occurred on Ukrainian soil—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal information were discovered in their belongings.
We have information suggesting that… pic.twitter.com/ekBr6hCkQL
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 8, 2025
During an apparent interview with an unnamed Ukrainian official, the individual mimicked combat sounds and spoke several words in Mandarin.
A senior Ukrainian official informed AFP that the captives were taken “a few days ago,” adding that there may be additional cases.
They suggested that the detainees were likely Chinese nationals lured into signing contracts with the Russian military, rather than being dispatched by the Chinese government.
Mr. Zelensky asserted that there is evidence indicating “many more Chinese citizens” are fighting alongside Russian forces, a statement that Mr. Lin refuted as “absolutely groundless.”
“The position of the Chinese side regarding the Ukraine crisis is clear and unequivocal, earning broad approval from the international community,” Mr. Lin remarked.
“The Ukrainian side should properly recognize China’s efforts and its constructive role in advocating for a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis,” he added.
China positions itself as a neutral party in the conflict, claiming it is not providing lethal support to either side, in contrast to the United States and other Western nations.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, China and Russia have fortified their political, military, and economic collaboration.
However, China remains a close political and economic ally to Russia, and NATO countries have labeled China a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s offensive, which it has never publicly denounced.
Russia has yet to formally respond to these allegations.
Ukraine has continuously urged China to exert pressure on Russia to halt its invasion, which has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives, and has yet to see Russia fulfill its primary objectives.
Ukraine is also striving to strengthen its ties with China, and this week, Mr. Zelensky appointed a new ambassador to China.
Nevertheless, Mr. Zelensky expressed concern about Chinese personnel fighting on Ukrainian territory, particularly as North Korean troops are engaging with Russian forces in the Kursk region.
“I believe this is a crucial point that we need to urgently discuss with our partners,” he stated during a press conference.
