Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Ukraine claims over 150 Chinese mercenaries fighting for Russia; Zelenskyy says ‘there are many more’

File photograph: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Picture credit score: AP)

Tensions between Ukraine and China escalated Wednesday after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed his authorities had detailed intelligence on greater than 150 Chinese nationals fighting as mercenaries for Russia within the ongoing battle.
China swiftly denied the accusations, calling them “totally unfounded” and warning in opposition to misinterpretation of the state of affairs.
The allegations comply with Zelenskyy’s announcement Tuesday that two Chinese males had been captured on the battlefield fighting alongside Russian forces, a primary for Kyiv since Russia’s full-scale invasion started in 2022.
On Wednesday, Zelenskyy mentioned Ukraine was keen to change the Chinese prisoners for Ukrainian troopers held by Russia.
Without immediately accusing the Chinese authorities of deploying troops, Zelenskyy mentioned Beijing was conscious of Russia’s efforts to recruit Chinese fighters by way of social media and supplied to point out journalists paperwork itemizing passport numbers and journey dates for 150 alleged mercenaries. “We believe that there are many more of them,” he added.

Responding to the claims, Chinese international ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed them as “groundless” and reiterated that Beijing urges its residents to avoid battle zones and to not interact in any occasion’s army operations. “China has played a constructive role in politically resolving the Ukraine crisis,” Lin mentioned in Beijing on Wednesday, as reported by New York Times.
Despite sustaining an official stance of neutrality, China has offered vital financial and diplomatic assist to Russia because the battle started. According to US officers, almost 80% of dual-use items — applied sciences that can be utilized for each civilian and army functions — getting into Russia come from China. These embody microelectronics and machine instruments used to fabricate missiles, tanks, and drones, reported AP.
The US state division described stories of Chinese residents fighting for Russia as “disturbing.” Spokesperson Tammy Bruce mentioned, “China is a major enabler of Russia in the war in Ukraine,” citing Beijing’s commerce in dual-use objects and equipment that maintain Moscow’s army marketing campaign. Bruce added that Chinese-Russian cooperation contributes to “global instability” and undermines worldwide safety.
Zelenskyy mentioned US officers expressed “surprise” when briefed in regards to the presence of Chinese nationals amongst Russian ranks.
The battle has seen participation from international fighters on either side. Russia has reportedly obtained troops and ammunition from North Korea, whereas Iran has equipped drones. Ukraine has additionally enlisted international volunteers in its worldwide brigades.
China’s state media has not reported the alleged Chinese fighters, however unverified accounts have circulated on Chinese social media suggesting that people have traveled to battle as mercenaries in Ukraine, reported The New York Times.
Meanwhile, fierce fighting continues alongside the 1,000-kilometre entrance line. Ukrainian officers mentioned Russia launched 55 Shahed and decoy drones in a single day, together with a “massive drone attack” on Kramatorsk within the Donetsk area that injured a toddler and two others.
Russia’s protection ministry claimed to have intercepted 158 Ukrainian drones throughout 11 areas, some reaching so far as the Orenburg area within the southern Urals, almost 1,200 kilometers from the border.
Amid these developments, US President Donald Trump’s administration is pushing for a ceasefire. However, Moscow has successfully rejected a proposed 30-day halt to fighting, whereas Kyiv has agreed in precept.