Recent reports have revealed that Chinese nationals are involved in the ongoing war in Ukraine, fighting for Russian forces. This development has sparked global concern and raised questions about Beijing’s true stance on the conflict, especially since China claims to remain neutral.
Zelenskyy’s Claim and the First Reports
On April 8, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that two Chinese nationals had been captured while fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region. He later stated that intelligence reports suggest there could be more than 155 Chinese individuals involved. Evidence such as identity documents and bank cards backs these claims.
Many of these fighters were allegedly recruited through social media platforms like TikTok and entered Russia as tourists before signing up as mercenaries. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) are verifying their documents, and a video was released showing one of them speaking Mandarin, although this raised concerns about violations of international law.
Are They Mercenaries or Soldiers?
Western intelligence sources cited by Reuters and Newsweek believe these individuals are acting independently and are not linked directly to the Chinese government. One Chinese fighter reportedly travelled to Russia in December 2024 and signed up after seeing an ad offering 2 million rubles (around $24,000).
Some reports do hint that Chinese military officers might be observing the war from behind Russian lines to study tactics, but there is no concrete proof that these fighters were sent officially by Beijing.
China’s Official Response
The Chinese government strongly denies any involvement. On April 11, 2025, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the reports “groundless” and said China always urges its citizens to avoid war zones. China also claims to support peace negotiations and denies supplying weapons to either side.
Still, China’s growing economic support for Russia complicates things. For example, Chinese exports to Russia jumped 12.7% in October 2024, and Beijing continues to buy oil from Moscow at discounted rates.
At the UN, China’s voting pattern is also telling. It abstained from key resolutions in February 2025 and 2023 and voted against one in April 2022. This shows reluctance to openly oppose Russia.
How Many Are Involved?
The exact number of Chinese fighters remains unclear. Ukrainian officials estimate at least 155, based on passport and personal data. Le Monde identified over 40 TikTok accounts belonging to Chinese individuals who say they joined the war. Newsweek also reported the deaths of two Chinese fighters in October 2024, though this remains unconfirmed.
Other Countries with Fighters in Ukraine
To put things in perspective, here’s how Chinese involvement compares with other foreign nationals:
| Country | Estimated Number | Nature of Involvement | State Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 155+ (unverified) | Likely mercenaries, recruited via TikTok | No evidence |
| North Korea | 11,000 | Official military deployment | Yes, state-sponsored |
| Nepal | ~200 (possibly thousands) | Mercenaries seeking economic opportunity | No |
| India | 127 serving, 16 missing | Mercenaries misled by human traffickers | No |
| Colombia | 300+ killed | Fighting for Ukraine via International Legion | No evidence |
Diplomatic Fallout
Ukraine has called on China to respond, accusing it of ignoring illegal recruitment. On April 14, 2025, Ukraine displayed the captured Chinese nationals in a press conference, drawing criticism for possibly violating the Geneva Conventions.
The U.S. also reacted strongly, with the State Department calling the situation “disturbing” and urging China to investigate. Analysts like Viktor Kovalenko argue that while troubling, the captured individuals do not prove a shift in China’s broader foreign policy.
Conclusion
There is growing evidence that some Chinese nationals are fighting for Russia in Ukraine—but they appear to be acting on their own, motivated by money rather than ideology or government orders. China maintains its neutrality, though its economic ties with Russia remain controversial.
GeoWire 
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