Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed on Wednesday that intelligence findings indicate 155 Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russian troops. This revelation comes on the heels of the recent detention of two Chinese individuals in Ukraine.

In a press briefing, Zelensky noted that these recruits were lured through various channels, including social media advertisements.

China has repeatedly rejected claims of involvement in the current conflict.

On Wednesday, a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China labeled the accusations about a significant number of Chinese nationals being involved in the conflict as “unfounded.” Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized at a press conference, “The Chinese government has always urged its citizens to steer clear of conflict areas and refrain from participating in hostilities, particularly in military engagements with any faction.”

President Zelensky remarked, “We are carrying out an investigation and suspect that many more individuals are involved.” He also pointed out that it seems Beijing is aware of recruitment videos being circulated on Chinese social media by Russian entities.

He further explained, “These recruits make their way to the Russian Federation, mainly to Moscow. Their medical evaluations last approximately three to four days, after which they undergo training that lasts between one to two months. Following this training, they are deployed to the front lines in Ukraine.” When questioned about whether he believed the participation of Chinese citizens in Ukraine was part of an official policy from Beijing, Zelensky replied, “I currently do not have a definitive answer. The Security Service of Ukraine will investigate this matter. We are not suggesting that there was any instruction; we simply do not have that information.

Since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, volunteers from nations like Britain and the United States have joined Ukrainian forces, despite warnings from their governments. Some have died in combat, and there are signs that Ukrainian embassies have played a role in recruiting foreign fighters.

The allegations about Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian troops have surfaced after Ukraine reported capturing two Chinese citizens who were part of the Russian military in eastern Ukraine.

Zelensky revealed on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces operating in the Donetsk area had obtained documents, bank cards, and personal details belonging to Chinese citizens.

The following day, the Ukrainian president announced that Ukraine was willing to exchange the two individuals for its own prisoners of war.

At the same time, a spokesperson from the Kremlin chose not to comment on the claim about the capture of Chinese nationals in Ukraine. On that day, Beijing mentioned that it was “currently verifying” the situation with Ukraine.

Zelensky revealed on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces operating in the Donetsk area had obtained documents, bank cards, and personal details belonging to Chinese citizens.

The following day, the Ukrainian president announced that Ukraine was willing to exchange the two individuals for its own prisoners of war.

At the same time, a spokesperson from the Kremlin chose not to comment on the claim about the capture of Chinese nationals in Ukraine. On that day, Beijing mentioned that it was “currently verifying” the situation with Ukraine.

Ukrainian military says Chinese national paid to join Russian arm: A Chinese national captured while fighting in eastern Ukraine reportedly paid to enlist in the Russian military via an intermediary in China, aiming to obtain Russian citizenship, as stated by the Ukrainian military.

The detainee, who Ukrainian officials announced on Tuesday was taken as a prisoner of war along with another Chinese national, was likely under pressure while speaking.

“The prisoner indicated that he joined the Russian military through a Chinese intermediary, paying RUB 300,000 (approximately $3,500) for the chance to serve in the Russian Armed Forces,” the communications department of the Luhansk Operational Tactical Group revealed in a statement to Ukrainian media.

He stated that his primary motivation was to join the military and acquire Russian citizenship. Additionally, he pointed out that several individuals in his group were encountering legal issues in China, as reported.

He revealed that he participated in training in the temporarily occupied area of Luhansk Oblast with a group of Chinese nationals. This training focused on basic military skills and was carried out without an interpreter, using gestures and a mobile translation app for communication.

The Ukrainian military tactical group, he was captured when a Russian assault unit opted to surrender during an attack by Ukrainian forces.

An individual is presently collaborating with Ukrainian investigative authorities, and his identity and nationality have been verified. He mentioned that his family knew about his plans to visit Russia, even though he officially traveled there as a tourist.