2025-04-10T17:31:49.000Z

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KYIV: In a provocative statement on Thursday, April 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of systematically working within China to recruit fighters for its ongoing war in Ukraine. This accusation comes just days after Ukrainian forces apprehended two Chinese nationals alleged to have been engaged in combat on behalf of Moscow.

Zelenskyy's remarks highlight a growing concern within Ukraine regarding the involvement of foreign fighters in the conflict, particularly from China. He stated that Ukrainian intelligence had uncovered evidence indicating that at least 155 Chinese citizens were actively participating in military operations to support Russia. This assertion raises questions about the extent of Russia's recruitment efforts and the potential implications for China's position in the international arena.

In his post on social media platform X, Zelenskyy emphasized that these incidents are not isolated but rather indicative of a broader, systematic effort by Russia to bolster its military ranks by enlisting foreign nationals, particularly from China. He referred to the captured individuals and shared footage of an interrogation with one of them, although this footage has not been independently verified by Reuters.

It is crucial for us to take all necessary measures to ensure that Russia is deprived of any opportunity to prolong and expand the war, Zelenskyy stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action to counteract Russia's military strategies.

In response to Zelenskyy's claims, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov firmly denied the allegations, asserting that Beijing maintains a balanced position in relation to the conflict and has not participated in the recruitment of fighters for Russia.

China's relationship with Russia, characterized as a no-limits partnership, has put it in a complex position concerning the Ukraine conflict. While it has sought to portray itself as a mediator and potential negotiator for peace, China has refrained from openly criticizing Russia's military actions. Notably, there has been no evidence to suggest that China has directly aided Russia in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022; however, its silence on the matter raises eyebrows and fuels speculation about its true stance amidst growing international tensions.