China has rejected Ukraine’s claim that “many” Chinese citizens are fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine. This comes after Ukraine said its forces had captured two Chinese nationals on the battlefield in the eastern Donetsk region.
“There is no basis for this claim,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian. He added that the Chinese government has always advised its citizens to stay away from war zones and not to take part in military actions on any side.
Lin said China is verifying the matter with the Ukrainian government. “The Ukrainian side should correctly view China’s efforts and constructive role in pushing for a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis,” he added.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said the two Chinese nationals were captured by Ukrainian forces recently. He also posted a video showing one of the prisoners in military uniform, with bound hands, mimicking combat sounds and speaking a few words in Mandarin.
Zelensky further claimed that Ukraine had the details of 155 Chinese troops fighting for Russia, including their names and passport information. “The ‘Chinese’ issue is serious,” he said during a press briefing in Kyiv.
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According to a Ukrainian official speaking to AFP, the two captured men were likely not sent by the Chinese government but may have been lured into signing contracts with the Russian army.
China has maintained that it is a neutral party in the conflict. It says it does not send weapons or lethal aid to either side. However, it remains a close political and economic partner of Russia.
Western nations, especially NATO members, have criticized China for enabling Russia’s military campaign by continuing trade and political support.
Lin Jian called the claims from Ukraine “absolutely groundless.” He stressed that China’s position on the Ukraine war is clear and widely supported by the international community.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on the matter when asked by reporters.
As the war enters its third year, tensions remain high. Ukraine continues to seek international support and transparency over foreign involvement in the conflict. China, meanwhile, urges all sides to seek a political solution and not to involve its citizens in the fighting.
