Ukraine Captures Chinese Citizens Fighting for Russia
The timing of the Chinese citizens’ capture—as Russia and Ukraine have begun indirect talks towards a ceasefire that would end the war—is notable, and President Zelensky highlighted their presence as a sign that Russia was escalating, rather than drawing down, its forces in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian military captured two Chinese citizens fighting for the Russian forces in Ukraine, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The capture of Chinese troops in Russia’s employ underscores the international dynamics of the conflict—and, although there is no sign of a broader pattern, raises concerns of an escalation.
Ukraine’s Chinese Prisoners of War
Zelensky announced on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had captured two Chinese citizens fighting on behalf of Russia.
“Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession,” Zelensky wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Zelensky accompanied his post with a video showing a man of Asian descent wearing a standard Russian camouflage uniform. According to the Ukrainian leader, Kyiv also had information suggesting that there were additional Chinese citizens fighting among the Russian forces. The president was careful to acknowledge that the situation was still developing, and avoided drawing conclusions about the matter until Ukraine’s intelligence services learned more.
“We are currently verifying all the facts—intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the relevant units of the Armed Forces are working on it. I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to immediately contact Beijing and clarify how China intends to respond to this,” Zelensky said.
The two men are in Ukrainian custody and are undergoing an intelligence debriefing.
Russia Has Recruited Foreign Soldiers for Years
One thing is for certain: this would not be the first time the Russian forces have relied on foreign nationals and mercenaries to bolster their numbers in the war. African, Arab, and even Cuban men have traveled to Russia to fight in Ukraine in exchange for money. However, many of them are forced to sign contracts for additional service on the frontlines, which are hard to escape. As a reminder, total Russian losses in Ukraine exceed 920,000 troops killed and wounded, according to the latest data provided by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. Moscow has also lost thousands of heavy weapon systems.
The most prominent foreign contingent within the Russian armed forces has come from North Korea. Snce last fall, Pyongyang has deployed approximately 15,000 men to the front line of Kursk Oblast inside Russia, helping the Russian military to recapture territory that Ukraine occupied during a surprise offensive in August 2024. The initial North Korean force took such heavy losses in a short period of time that the Russian military leadership was forced to pull it off the line for urgent rest and recuperation. Thereafter, the North Korean government deployed additional troops to reinforce the initial force and rejoin the fighting.
The timing of the Chinese citizens’ capture—as Russia and Ukraine have begun indirect talks towards a ceasefire that would end the war—is notable, and Zelensky highlighted their presence as a sign that Russia was escalating, rather than drawing down, its forces in Ukraine.
“Russia’s involvement of China, along with other countries, whether directly or indirectly, in this war in Europe is a clear signal that Putin intends to do anything but end the war,” the president observed. “He is looking for ways to continue fighting. This definitely requires a response. A response from the United States, Europe, and all those around the world who want peace.”
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Shutterstock / Woodan.