Chinese Nationals Drawn into Ukraine Conflict: motivations and Realities
Zelensky’s Allegations and China’s Response
In early April, Ukrainian President Volodimir zelensky posted a video on X, formerly Twitter, purportedly showing a Chinese citizen captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for Russia. zelensky stated at a press conference that China was now supporting Russia militarily and that the United States should pay attention.
The following day, he released a second video featuring two men, identified as Zhang Renbo and Wang Guangjun, along with images of their Chinese passports. Zelensky claimed Ukraine was aware of more than 150 Chinese citizens fighting on the Russian side.
The China Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by stating it was verifying the Ukrainian claims and reiterated that it does not support the participation of its citizens in military operations of any of the parties.
while China has provided dual-use components to the Russian defense industry and bolstered the Russian economy through energy purchases, its leaders have consistently declared neutrality and avoided direct military involvement. There is no concrete evidence suggesting that Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in Ukraine receive state support. However, their presence is not entirely unexpected, as Chinese combatants on both sides have been sharing videos of their experiences on social media throughout the war.
Motivations of Chinese Fighters: A Complex Web
Chinese nationals fighting for Russia often cite a combination of factors, including the pursuit of financial gain and the allure of strong emotions. Nationalism also plays a notable role for some.
- Financial Incentives: A 23-year-old from Gansu province told Initium, an independent media outlet, that he traveled to Moscow in 2023 after seeing a social media video promising high salaries. previously a firefighter earning approximately $400 per month, he believed he could earn five times more as a mercenary.
- Thrill-Seeking and Nationalism: Another fighter, known as “Red Macaron” on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), expressed a desire to experience war, inspired by patriotic Chinese films. He chose to join the Russian side due to the ease of obtaining a visa, as he told Chinese media.
However, the reality of war often clashes with these initial motivations. Zhao Rui, a 38-year-old from Chongqing, reportedly joined the conflict to fight against any japanese forces aiding Ukraine. Tragically,he died in 2023 due to a Ukrainian drone strike.
Disillusionment and Regret Among Fighters
A common thread among many Chinese soldiers involved in the conflict is a sense of repentance and disillusionment.Before his death, Zhao Rui posted videos on Douyin urging his compatriots not to join the fighting. If you find work in China, you can win the same,
he advised.
Zhou Zhiqiang, another mercenary, stated on Douyin that the Russians do not treat us as humans.
“Red Macaron,” in an interview with exiled Chinese journalist Chai Jing, revealed that the Russians used them as cannon meat.
He recounted being confined to a pit alongside Russian deserters after complaining about substandard equipment. He expressed a loss of desire to fight but felt trapped, doubting the Chinese embassy’s willingness to assist him.
Chinese Volunteers on the Ukrainian Side
While less common, some Chinese nationals have also volunteered to fight on the side of Ukraine. Peng Chenliang, from Yunnan province, was detained in China for seven months after posting anti-Russian and pro-Ukrainian messages on X in 2023.In 2024, he joined the foreign legion of the Ukrainian army and died later that year.
Before his death, peng recorded a video with a Taiwan flag, expressing his wish to be remembered alongside Tseng Sheng-Kuang, a Taiwanese volunteer who died fighting for Ukraine in 2022. This highlights the complex geopolitical allegiances and motivations driving individuals to participate in the conflict.
Public Debate and Government Silence
The deaths of Chinese fighters on both sides of the conflict have sparked a debate online, with opinions divided on whether they are brave heroes, corrupt mercenaries, or misled nationalists. The Chinese government has so far remained silent on the issue, but the increasing involvement of its citizens may necessitate a response in the future.
