The Perilous Fate of Chinese Mercenaries in Russia's War Effort
In a shocking development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Ukrainian military has reported the capture of two Chinese soldiers who were allegedly fighting for Russian forces. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that intelligence agencies have identified a total of 163 Chinese citizens as combatants on the side of Moscow, highlighting a troubling trend: the increasing presence of Chinese mercenaries in the Russian army.
Zelensky further accused the Chinese government of actively supporting, or at least failing to hinder, the recruitment of its citizens to join the fight against Ukraine. According to him, Russia has been recruiting international fighters since the war's inception, a tactic that Ukraine has employed as well. However, the notable rise of Chinese nationals in this arena—in contrast to the North Korean soldiers who aided Russia in securing the Kursk Oblast—has raised eyebrows.
The first reports of Chinese fighters in Russia emerged in the summer of 2023. Documents reviewed by the Kyiv Independent indicate that recruitment efforts were proliferating well before this, with social media videos circulating that promote the benefits of fighting for Russia. One such video, dated back to July 2022 and shared on Douyin—the Chinese equivalent of TikTok—featured a new recruit preparing for departure, boasting of an enticing salary of 30,000 Russian rubles (approximately $350) a day. The recruitment pitches claimed salaries and bonuses that are inconceivable back in China, such as one example promising a signing bonus of 2.3 million rubles (about $27,000) and a yearly salary of 5.2 million rubles (around $62,000).
However, the reality on the ground is starkly different, as expressed by Zhao Rui, a soldier from Chongqing, who was reportedly the first Chinese soldier to die in action after being struck by a Ukrainian drone. In a candid statement, Zhao implored potential recruits: "Don't come. There's nothing good to do here."
In a documentary aired recently, another Chinese soldier, identified only as Macron, shared gripping insights about his harrowing experiences near Bakhmut. "I realized that one day I might die here, so I decided to recount my story," he stated, shedding light on the stark contrasts between recruitment propaganda and the grim realities of combat. The accounts reveal that many Chinese recruits found themselves facing severe racism within Russian military units—a sentiment echoed by Macron, who noted the pervasive discrimination against nonwhite soldiers.
These unwitting combatants have often been thrust into perilous frontline roles, particularly within origins like the StormZ units, known for high casualty rates. Reports indicate some recruits joined these units only to perish on their inaugural missions. Russia, perhaps wary of employing its regular troops in frontline skirmishes, appears to be relying heavily on mercenaries, many of whom—like the Chinese—serve as mere cannon fodder, sent to face formidable combat risks.
Financial compensation for deceased Chinese soldiers' families is said to be approximately $50,000, but delays in payments are reported to be common. Even worse, testimonies highlight disturbing encounters where Russian commanders would prevent Chinese soldiers from leaving their contracts, even under dire circumstances. One fighter relayed that his commanding officer had coldly stated, "We will rescind your contract only after we win the war."
This coerced commitment reflects a grim reality for foreign fighters in Russia’s military ranks—those who seek fortune and adventure may find themselves trapped in a combat situation rife with danger, discrimination, and exploitation. As more evidence comes to light regarding the plight of these foreign recruits, the moral implications of using mercenaries in warfare warrant serious scrutiny.
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