Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says at least 155 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia in the war.
His comments come after two Chinese fighters were captured earlier this week – marking Kyiv’s first official allegation that China was supplying Russia with manpower.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Zelensky reiterated his claim that there are “many more” Chinese nationals engaged in the conflict, based on information gathered by his government.
China has previously denied many of its citizens are fighting for Russia, saying the claim has “no basis in facts”. Beijing has yet to respond to Zelensky’s latest figure.
On Wednesday, China’s foreign ministry’s spokesman Lin Jian said they were still “verifying the relevant situation with Ukraine” and appeared to suggest that the Chinese soldiers were operating in a private capacity.
“Let me stress that the Chinese government always asks Chinese nationals to stay away from areas of armed conflict, avoid any form of involvement in armed conflict, and in particular avoid participation in any party’s military operations,” said Lin Jian.
He also urged Ukraine to “view correctly China’s effort and constructive role for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis”.
