China Denies Ukraine’s Claim That Its Citizens Are Fighting With Russia

• Apr 09, 2025

Beijing has firmly denied claims made by Ukraine that Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russian troops in the ongoing war. The dispute arose after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that two Chinese citizens had been captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for Russia in the eastern Donetsk region.

Speaking on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called Ukraine’s accusations “totally unfounded.” He added that the Chinese government consistently advises its citizens to avoid entering conflict zones or taking part in military activity. His remarks suggested that if any Chinese nationals were fighting in Ukraine, they had done so on their own and without government involvement.

Zelensky’s statement marked the first time Ukraine has accused Chinese citizens of participating in Russia’s nearly three-year invasion. He also claimed that Ukraine has intelligence suggesting that “significantly more” Chinese fighters are involved on the Russian side.

While China has remained politically close to Russia throughout the war—supporting Moscow diplomatically and economically—it has not been known to provide direct military assistance such as troops, weapons, or training. Beijing has also proposed a vague peace plan that was widely dismissed by Western nations.

Meanwhile, the United States responded to the developments with concern. U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called the reports of captured Chinese fighters “disturbing” and claimed China is helping Russia sustain its war effort. She said China supplies nearly 80% of the dual-use goods Moscow relies on.

Ukraine and the U.S. have previously alleged that thousands of North Korean troops have assisted Russia through a formal agreement with Pyongyang. Both Russia and Ukraine permit foreign nationals to enlist in their armed forces.

Amid this international tension, fighting continues across the approximately 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line. Overnight, Russia launched 55 Shahed and decoy drones at Ukraine. A massive drone strike on Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region injured three people, including an 11-year-old girl.

In response, Ukraine launched drone attacks on Russia, with the Russian Defense Ministry claiming its forces downed 158 drones across 11 regions. Although no casualties or damage were reported, airports in several Russian regions briefly suspended flights. Some Ukrainian drones reached the Orenburg region, deep inside Russian territory.