Zelenskyy: 155 Chinese Nationals Fighting for Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that Ukrainian intelligence had identified 155 Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine. The claim follows the recent capture of two Chinese citizens in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces continue to advance.

Zelenskyy told reporters that China was aware of the recruitment of its citizens via Russian social media and that Ukraine's security services had compiled detailed data, including names, passport numbers, and assigned Russian military units.

He called the deployment of Chinese nationals a “serious issue” and said Ukraine was prepared to exchange the two captured individuals for detained Ukrainian servicemen.

“We believe there are many more,” Zelenskyy said, calling on the United States to pressure Russia over the matter.

China's Foreign Ministry swiftly denied the accusations, calling Zelenskyy’s remarks “groundless.” Spokesperson Lin Jian stated that Beijing instructs its citizens to stay out of conflict zones and reiterated China’s stance as a neutral party seeking a political resolution.

The revelation comes after earlier reports from Ukraine and Western intelligence suggesting that over 11,000 North Korean troops had been sent to Russia’s western Kursk region.

Zelenskyy criticised what he called a lack of strong American response to Russia’s foreign recruitment and said U.S. President Donald Trump appeared “annoyed” by Moscow’s failure to follow through on promises, including the rejection of a ceasefire proposal.

Meanwhile, U.S. Indo-Pacific commander Admiral Samuel Paparo confirmed to Congress that Chinese nationals had been captured and warned that Russian success in Europe could embolden China’s own ambitions.

Zelenskyy also noted an upcoming U.S.-Ukraine meeting on rare earths and minerals, aimed at forming a mutually beneficial agreement to support Ukraine’s modernization efforts.

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