On April 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a video on X that he said showed one of two Chinese citizens captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for Russia. China was now militarily supporting Russia, he added in a press briefing, and “the United States of America should pay attention”.
The next day he posted a second video of both men, who gave their names as Zhang Renbo and Wang Guangjun, and shots of their Chinese passports. Zelensky claimed Ukraine knew of more than 150 Chinese nationals fighting on Russia’s side.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded that it was verifying the Ukrainian claims and that it did not support its nationals’ participation “in any party’s military operations”.
Though China has supplied dual-use components to Russia – that is goods that can be used in consumer and military applications –, has kept Russia’s economy afloat with energy purchases, and promoted propaganda blaming Ukraine and NATO for the war, its leaders have consistently claimed neutrality and been careful to avoid direct military involvement.
There is no proof that the Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Ukraine are state-supported. It is no surprise, however, that they are there. Chinese fighters on both sides in Ukraine have been posting videos of their exploits on social media throughout the war.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky posted footage on X showing what he said was one of two Chinese citizens captured by the Ukraine army.Credit: X/@ZelenskyyUa
Those who fight for Russia have said they go seeking thrills and cash. Some are also driven by nationalism. A 23-year-old from Gansu province told Initium, an independent media outlet based outside China, that he flew to Moscow in 2023 after seeing a social-media video promising high wages. He had been a firefighter making 3000 yuan ($661) a month. As a mercenary, he could make five times more.
Another fighter calling himself “Red Macaron” on Douyin, China’s TikTok, said he wanted to experience war, inspired by jingoistic Chinese films. He joined the Russian side because it was easier to get a visa, he told Chinese media. Zhao Rui, a 38-year-old from Chongqing, reportedly joined the war because he wanted to fight any Japanese who were helping Ukraine. He was killed in 2023 by a Ukrainian drone.
What unites most Chinese soldiers is regret. Before his death, Zhao had posted videos on Douyin telling fellow Chinese not to come. “Find a job in China, you can make the same amount,” he said. Zhou Zhiqiang, another mercenary, said on Douyin that the Russians “don’t treat us like humans”.
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