President Zelensky's assertion that 155 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia, backed by captured individuals' testimonies, has sparked a response from Beijing, which urges a reconsideration of its role in the Ukraine crisis.
Zelensky Alleges 155 Chinese Nationals are Fighting for Russia in Ukraine Conflict
Zelensky Alleges 155 Chinese Nationals are Fighting for Russia in Ukraine Conflict
The Ukrainian President claims a significant number of Chinese citizens are engaged in combat alongside Russian forces, raising concerns about Beijing's involvement in the ongoing war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made the claim that at least 155 Chinese nationals are actively fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This allegation followed the capture of two Chinese fighters earlier in the week, marking the first time Kyiv has publicly accused China of providing personnel to Russia amid the ongoing conflict. During a press conference, Zelensky repeated assertions that many more Chinese citizens are involved, citing intelligence findings from his government's investigations.
In response to Zelensky's comments, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian urged relevant parties to accurately evaluate China's role in the Ukraine crisis and refrain from making irresponsible claims. Lin emphasized that China does not instigate conflict and promotes peaceful solutions. Moreover, he reiterated that Chinese nationals are encouraged to avoid armed conflicts and military engagements.
Zelensky's comments came after footage surfaced showing two captured Chinese soldiers discussing their experiences. They revealed their lack of prior military training, with one admitting it was his first time in combat. Zelensky pointed out that there are formal records of the Chinese nationals, including surnames and passport details, with a claim that Russia is utilizing social media to recruit Chinese citizens for military purposes.
He described the process of recruitment, asserting that these recruits undergo training in Moscow before being deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine, which raises questions about the Chinese government's awareness and possible complicity in these actions. Zelensky characterized this involvement as a strategic move by Russia to prolong the conflict and called for a global response to this situation.
The Pentagon has expressed concern regarding the alleged participation of Chinese fighters, labeling the reports as "disturbing." Ukraine has previously scrutinized China's declared neutral stance and has alleged that it provides various types of support to Russia, including military hardware. Despite close political and economic ties with Russia, Beijing maintains that it has not sold lethal military equipment and aims to preserve its relationship without engaging in direct conflict.
The claims of Chinese citizens participating in the conflict follow the earlier capture of two injured North Korean soldiers in Ukraine. This revelation illustrates the evolving dynamics of involvement by foreign nationals in the Ukraine conflict, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing war.
