Chinese mercenaries reportedly fighting for Russia in Ukraine
About 200 Chinese mercenaries are reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine, despite Beijing’s official denials of any connection, Reuters reported on April 11, citing sources familiar with Western intelligence.
According to U.S. officials, the Chinese fighters appear to have undergone minimal training and haven’t had a meaningful impact on Russian military operations.
Still, Chinese military officers — with Beijing’s blessing — have been observed in Russian rear areas, studying the war firsthand, a former official told Reuters. Some of them even traveled to front-line positions.
“The officers are absolutely there with Beijing’s approval,” the former official said.
What’s known about Chinese involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine
On April 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian Defense Forces had captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Donetsk Oblast. The prisoners were born in 1991 and 1998, respectively.
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine is aware of at least 155 Chinese citizens serving in the ranks of the Russian military. According to him, Russian forces have been recruiting Chinese nationals through social media, and official Beijing has been aware of this.
China’s Foreign Ministry responded to reports of the captured Chinese fighters by stating it was working with Ukrainian authorities to verify the information. Later, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China is not involved in combat and supports a peaceful resolution to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
On April 11, Russian investigative outlet Important Stories identified 51 Chinese nationals who had enlisted in the Russian military over the past year.
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