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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that more than 150 Chinese nationals are now fighting on the side of Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine, raising fresh concerns over the growing international dimensions of the conflict.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kyiv this week, President Zelensky said Ukraine’s intelligence services have tracked the presence of at least 155 Chinese citizens embedded in Russian military units. These individuals, according to Zelensky, have been serving in combat roles ranging from riflemen and gunners to operators of grenade launchers.
“They were recruited, screened medically, trained, and then deployed to the battlefield,” Zelensky said. He suggested that the recruitment process is often carried out via social media platforms such as TikTok.
His comments come just days after Ukrainian forces reportedly captured two Chinese nationals — Wang Guangjun, born in 1991, and Chang Renbo, born in 1998 — who were allegedly fighting for Russia. Kyiv says both men are now in custody and cooperating with investigators.
While the Ukrainian leader did not directly accuse the Chinese government of orchestrating the involvement, the implications of his statements have already stirred debate across diplomatic circles. China, for its part, has strongly denied any connection to the fighters. In an official statement, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson dismissed the claims as “groundless” and “irresponsible.”
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U.S. officials, however, have taken a more cautious stance. Intelligence sources in Washington told media outlets that while there is no firm evidence linking the fighters to Beijing directly, some of the individuals may be mercenaries or freelance soldiers. In a more troubling assessment, some reports suggest that Chinese military officers may be observing operations near the front lines, with Beijing’s quiet approval, to gain firsthand experience in modern battlefield tactics.
“Even if the fighters are not official military personnel, their presence raises legitimate questions,” said a senior U.S. defense analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This war has become a laboratory for modern warfare. China and others are watching very closely.”
Zelensky’s remarks are part of a broader warning issued by Kyiv in recent months, pointing to an increasing presence of foreign nationals supporting Russian efforts. Ukrainian forces have also reported skirmishes with North Korean fighters along the border near Kursk, noting that their battlefield competence has steadily improved.
Western observers now fear that the war in Ukraine is no longer a localized conflict but rather a proving ground for hostile nations looking to refine their tactics, weaponry, and military alliances.
As the conflict grinds on, President Zelensky has called for heightened international scrutiny and accountability. “This is no longer just Ukraine versus Russia,” he said. “We are facing a coordinated effort by those who wish to challenge the rules of the global order. The world must take notice.”
