POLITICS
Ukraine's President Accuses China of Silent Support in Russian War Efforts
Ukraine, KyivThu Apr 10 2025
Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has made a strong claim. He believes over 150 Chinese citizens are fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine. This is a big deal because it suggests China might be more involved in the conflict than it lets on.
China has reacted sharply to these claims. The Chinese Foreign Ministry called Zelenskyy's remarks "irresponsible. " They insist that China wants peace and tells its citizens to stay away from war zones. They also urged Ukraine to be more careful about what they say regarding China's role.
This situation is complicated. China and Russia have a close relationship. Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, their leaders signed a document declaring a "friendship without limits. " However, China has not openly sent troops or weapons to Russia. Instead, they provide diplomatic support and buy Russian resources. This includes "dual-use" goods that can serve both military and civilian purposes.
Zelenskyy shared some details about the Chinese fighters. He said they were recruited through social media, including TikTok and other Chinese platforms. He also mentioned that Ukraine has documents listing the names and passport numbers of these recruits. They are reportedly active in several Russian military units.
The Ukrainian president also mentioned that both sides in the conflict have used mercenaries. This includes thousands of North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia. He even offered to exchange the captured Chinese fighters for Ukrainian soldiers held by Russia.
It's important to note that Zelenskyy did not accuse China of having a clear policy of sending mercenaries to Ukraine. He said he is not sure yet what China's intentions are. This leaves room for interpretation and further investigation.
The situation raises questions about China's true stance on the Ukraine war. Are they quietly supporting Russia, or are they genuinely trying to stay neutral? Only time will tell. One thing is clear: the war in Ukraine is attracting fighters from all over the world, and China's role in this conflict is a topic of heated debate.
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questions
If Chinese mercenaries are using TikTok to find jobs, should we expect a new trend of 'WarTok' videos?
How does China's diplomatic support for Russia translate into practical actions on the ground in Ukraine?
How reliable are the intelligence reports cited by Zelenskyy regarding the recruitment of Chinese mercenaries?