Ukraine accuses Russia of  recruiting Chinese fighters

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky saysat least 155 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia in Ukraine and there are probably “many more.”

China’s foreign ministry responded that the country “has always required its citizens to … avoid being involved in armed conflicts in any form.”

Zelensky isn’t claiming the Chinese government sent these troops. Rather, he says the Kremlin is recruiting Chinese mercenaries on social media in what he described on X as “yet another indication that Moscow simply needs to drag out the fighting.”

China on the spot. Even if the Chinese fighters have no official ties, their presence throws a fresh light on what, exactly, Beijing’s role is in the war. China doesn’t recognize Moscow’s claims on Ukraine, but the US has long accused it of helping Russia with weapons and “dual-use” technologies like computer chips and drones. Beijing also continues to buy Russian oil.

Beijing said Thursday it is a “staunch supporter” of a “peaceful resolution” to the war. Now, amid signs of a detente between China and Europe, China’s stance on Ukraine will be one to watch.