Ukraine Accuses China of Knowledge in Recruitment of Nationals to Fight for Russia
China has pushed back against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's 'irresponsible' remarks, claiming Beijing is aware of its citizens being recruited to fight for Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This response came from China's Foreign Ministry on April 10, just a day after Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian authorities had information on 155 Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces. This information surfaced following the release of a video by the Ukrainian military, showing the capture of two Chinese mercenaries in eastern Ukraine.
During a press briefing, Chinese ministry spokesman Lin Jian criticized Zelenskyy without directly naming him, advising relevant parties to recognize China's role accurately and to avoid making irresponsible comments. Zelenskyy has intensified his condemnation of Beijing after Ukraine's announcement of capturing Chinese nationals in the Donetsk region, claiming that China must be aware of their recruitment by Russia.
Zelenskyy stated, 'We record that China knew about it. We record that these are Chinese citizens fighting against us using weapons on the territory of Ukraine,' while also acknowledging uncertainty regarding their motivations—and whether financial gain or political reasons played a role.
Despite Beijing denying any involvement of sending soldiers to Ukraine on Russian military's behalf, evidence of Chinese nationals participating in the war has surfaced through Russian and Chinese social media postings. Estimates suggest that over a hundred Chinese citizens have reached Ukraine, serving as mercenaries for Russia's military. A Russian Defense Ministry hospital database acquired by RFERL in February also confirmed that Chinese mercenaries were among those injured while fighting alongside Russian troops.
Zelenskyy indicated he was unsure if there was any direct command from China to those fighting for Russia. However, he insisted that Beijing must have been aware of some individuals joining another country's military for financial incentives. Since the outset of the conflict, foreign soldiers have been a significant factor in the war dynamics, but this instance marks the first explicit claim from Kyiv regarding Chinese fighters.
This new stance represents a notable shift for Zelenskyy, who previously took a more cautious approach in criticizing Beijing, despite its unwavering diplomatic and economic backing of Russia during the conflict. China has contributed to the Kremlin's war efforts through increased trade and the provision of strategically useful goods, although it continues to position itself as a neutral facilitator in the war and refrains from supplying Russia with weapons or military expertise.
Moreover, Ukraine's relationship with the United States has been strained, due in part to former President Donald Trump's calls for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Analysts suggest that Zelenskyy may be leveraging Trump's rising animosity toward China, a nation currently embroiled in a trade conflict with Washington, which may enhance his diplomatic relations with the Trump administration. This could also influence US-Russia dynamics, as the political landscape continues to evolve amidst the turmoil of war.
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