Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently claimed that more than 150 Chinese citizens are engaged in combat alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This claim would be a remarkable escalation of the already bloody hostilities. Continuing with that theme, Zelenskyy sought to persuade members that foreign nationals—most notably North Koreans and Chinese—were fighting in the war against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy praised that North Koreans have been seen infighting in the Kursk area. At the same time, Chinese nationals are fighting on both sides in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He also pointed out that the initial capture of Chinese fighters is important proof of China’s military assistance to Moscow. There’s a difference. North Koreans were fighting on our side in the Kursk region, against the Chinese fighting on our side in Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
In the time since, Ukrainian authorities have made additional investigative advancements. They found that the number of Chinese nationals participating in the conflict has increased, particularly in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky recently pointed out that the real figures far exceed original projections. He claimed, “A lot more Chinese citizens are killing for Russia in Ukraine.”
The Chinese government responded to the allegations within days. Unsurprisingly, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian rejected the claim, saying “Such a claim has no basis in facts.” Lin assured that China was at the moment checking facts about two Chinese POWs with the Ukrainian side. He insisted that China’s position on the Ukraine issue is very clear and recognized internationally. He further called on the Ukrainian side to appreciate China’s efforts and constructive role in seeking a political settlement.
What this means geopolitically, including in the context of the EU Indo-Pacific strategy, was discussed by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. She painted a damning picture of China as the key enabler of Russia’s military campaign. She noted that 80 percent of the dual-use goods going into Russia come from China. It goes without saying that without support from China, Russia would not be able to maintain its current level of military aggression.
Given these foreign commitments, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was no longer able to engage with multiple enemies on the battlefield. Ukraine is an extremely resilient country,” he stressed during a recent national press briefing, “but we cannot be expected to fight six countries simultaneously.
The stakes have never been higher. The international community will closely observe the role of foreign fighters in the conflict to determine their impact on the broader war.
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