Ukraine has claimed that more than 150 Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces, with President Volodymyr Zelensky alleging they are being recruited through advertisements on TikTok.
The Ukrainian leader said Kyiv has details of at least 155 Chinese citizens deployed at the frontlines in eastern Ukraine.
"The 'Chinese' issue is serious," Zelensky stated, sharing evidence of captured fighters.
Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese citizens fighting in the Donetsk region, according to Zelensky.
'The 'Chinese' issue is serious,' Zelensky stated
PAA video shared by the Ukrainian president showed snippets from interrogations of the captured fighters, alongside images of their Chinese passports.
One of the detainees, identified as Zhang Renbo, revealed his inexperience in combat.
"It was my first combat experience. I was given an AK-47. Before that I have never had a weapon," he said.
Ukrainian military officials reported finding Chinese ID cards and Russian military service contracts on the prisoners.
Zelensky detailed how Russia recruits these fighters through open advertisements on Chinese social media platforms.
"It is clear how they recruit them. One of the schemes is through social media, in particular TikTok and other Chinese social networks, where Russians distribute commercials," he explained.
Two Chinese soldiers were caught on the frontlines earlier this week
Zelensky said he believes Beijing is aware of the recruitment, noting the advertisements are "openly distributed" on Chinese social media
PAThe recruits reportedly travel to Moscow for medical examinations before undergoing one to two months of training.
They receive migration cards and Mir payment cards for their salaries, according to the Ukrainian president.
China has firmly rejected Zelensky's allegations, with foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian calling the claims "absolutely groundless".
"The Chinese government has always asked its citizens to stay away from areas of armed conflict [and] avoid involvement in armed conflicts in any form," he stated.
Beijing says it is "verifying" information about the captured Chinese citizens with Kyiv.
Ukraine has demanded an official explanation, summoning China's chargé d'affaires over the matter.
Zelensky said he believes Beijing is aware of the recruitment, noting the advertisements are "openly distributed" on Chinese social media.
The Ukrainian leader indicated he had received signals that Washington views Chinese nationals fighting for Russia as "unacceptable".
A video shared by the Ukrainian president showed snippets from interrogations of the captured fighters
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"This definitely requires a reaction. A reaction from the United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who wants peace," Zelensky said.
He added that China's involvement is a "clear signal" that Putin wants to prolong the war.
The conflict has drawn fighters from various countries, though this doesn't necessarily indicate official intervention by their home governments.
Thousands of North Korean troops have also reportedly joined Russian forces against Ukraine.
The Kremlin has remained notably silent on the captured Chinese nationals, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating: "I cannot comment on this information in any way."
Military analyst Michael Clarke warned that if Chinese soldiers are operating on state orders, it would cross "quite a big legal line".
