More than 150 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia in Ukraine, President Zelensky says

 

More than 150 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia in Ukraine, President Zelensky says

Ukraine has claimed that Chinese citizens are also fighting alongside Russia against it, but China has called the accusation baseless.

According to the US news agency Associated Press, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that his army had arrested two Chinese citizens who were fighting on Russian soil, while the claim made on Wednesday said that these soldiers were recruited by Moscow through social media.

This claim by Ukraine and denial by China have come at a time when the United States is trying to stop the war between the two countries, which has been going on for more than three years.

It is the first time Ukraine has accused China of its citizens serving in the war for Russia.

On Wednesday, Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to release Chinese citizens in exchange for Ukrainian soldiers captured by Russia.

He said, without providing any evidence, that Beijing authorities were aware that Russia was recruiting Chinese citizens as mercenaries and stopped short of saying that the Chinese government had allowed it.

He added that Ukraine had information on 155 Chinese citizens and passports fighting for Russia.

He said, “We believe that the number is even higher.”

He also showed reporters documents that included names, passport numbers and other details about the alleged Chinese citizens, including details of the Chinese citizens’ departure to and arrival in Russia.

The AP said it could not independently verify the documents.

Western officials say China supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and has been providing diplomatic support to Russia since it invaded its neighbor in February 2022. It has also sold Russia microelectronics and other machinery that Russia can use as weapons, while also helping Russia in the energy and economic fields.

China is not believed to have knowingly provided Russia with troops, weapons or other related services.

US officials also accuse Iran of providing drones to Russia, while North Korea has officially said that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to help Russia.

On the other hand, the US and Europe have been supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Tensions between China and the US have increased in recent years, including over technology, economics and trade.

On the other hand, China has rejected the Ukrainian president's claim

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a press conference that the allegations are completely baseless.

According to the statement, China always instructs its citizens to stay away from these war zones and not to be part of any kind of military activity.