During a press conference, Zelensky provided detailed information on the recruitment process and the roles these individuals play within various Russian military units.
Details of the Recruitment
According to Zelensky, Ukrainian intelligence has collected extensive data on these individuals, including passport information, ages, and the specific units in which they serve. The recruitment of these Chinese citizens appears to be carried out through public channels on social media platforms like TikTok, where the Russians actively distribute recruitment advertisements.
Key points raised by the President include:
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Clear Recruitment Scheme:
Ukrainian special services have obtained documents showing that these recruits were mostly signed up in the second half of 2024, with some selected as early as 2023. -
Training and Deployment:
Once recruited, these individuals undergo 3-4 days of medical examinations followed by 1-2 months of training in Russian facilities, often in Moscow. After these preparations, they are deployed to fight in Ukraine.
Roles and Units
The Chinese citizens fighting for Russia primarily hold lower military ranks, such as privates, and serve in roles such as gunners, riflemen, and grenade launchers. They are distributed across various units, including:
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The 255th Motorized Rifle Regiment
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The 136th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade
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The 70th Motorized Rifle Regiment
Additionally, two Chinese citizens have been captured in the Donetsk region by Ukrainian forces:
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Wang Guangjun (王广军), born in 1991
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Zhang Renbo (张仁波), born in 1998
These captures, along with the broader recruitment data, illustrate a consistent trend of Chinese involvement on the Russian side.
Implications and Broader Context
Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian authorities are closely monitoring this phenomenon and have detailed records for all 155 known individuals fighting in Russian ranks. He stated, "We have passport data, documents, ages, and records of their places of service. The recruitment scheme is clear, and it involves open recruitment on Chinese social networks."
The revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about international involvement in the conflict. Ukrainian officials have compared the presence of Chinese recruits to that of citizens from other countries that are known to support Russia, such as Iran and North Korea.
China's Stance on the Conflict
China’s position on Russia’s war against Ukraine remains cautious and ambiguous:
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Neutral Public Position:
Chinese authorities have not condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Although they did not support the UN resolution condemning the war, they also refrained from actively opposing the invasion. -
Peace Proposals and Strategic Engagement:
On the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2023, China proposed a "peace plan" that included 12 points calling for respect for national sovereignty, an end to hostilities, and the cessation of unilateral sanctions. However, China has not embraced Ukraine’s “peace formula” and, at times, has been linked to discussions about supporting Russia, including rumors of considering sending weapons.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, for example, refused to meet with President Zelensky at Davos in January 2024, signaling the cautious approach of Beijing on the matter. Moreover, while some Western sources have speculated about Chinese military support for Russia, recent statements from State Department spokespersons have denied such involvement.
Conclusion
Ukraine's disclosure that over 150 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia shines a spotlight on the complex international dimensions of the conflict. The detailed information provided by President Zelensky reveals a systematic recruitment process leveraging Chinese social media platforms, resulting in the deployment of these individuals in various Russian military units. As Ukraine continues to gather intelligence and monitor the situation, these developments add another layer to the already multifaceted geopolitical landscape surrounding the war.
