Chinese Mercenaries in Ukraine: Over 100 Reportedly Fight for Russia Without Government Ties
Over 100 Chinese citizens are reportedly fighting as mercenaries for Russia without direct ties to Beijing. In total, about 200 Chinese fighters are said to be involved, though they possess minimal training and impact. Ukrainian officials have captured two Chinese nationals, leading to further diplomatic inquiries with China.
Recent reports indicate that over 100 Chinese citizens are engaged as mercenaries on Russia’s side in the conflict against Ukraine, and these individuals have no direct ties to the Chinese government. US intelligence suggests that approximately 200 Chinese mercenaries are active, but they lack significant military training and do not substantially affect Russia’s military operations.
While these mercenaries operate independently, Chinese military officers are reportedly observing the conflict to glean tactical insights with Beijing’s consent, which was confirmed by a former Western intelligence official. The situation escalated when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that several hundred Chinese nationals were involved with Russian forces and provided insight into capturing Chinese POWs.
On April 8, Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese citizens who had fought in Donetsk Oblast, prompting Zelenskyy’s directive for the foreign minister to engage with Beijing regarding the incident. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce noted China’s complicity in supporting Russian aggression in this context. Following the captures, Zelenskyy mentioned that 155 Chinese citizens were confirmed to be fighting in Ukraine, with the possibility of more individuals being involved.
The involvement of Chinese mercenaries on Russia’s side highlights a complex dynamic in the Ukraine conflict, indicating that these individuals are fighting independently without government support. The situation has raised concerns regarding China’s tacit approval of observing military tactics. Continued monitoring is necessary as the number of Chinese fighters may be higher than reported, warranting further investigation and diplomatic engagement with China.
Original Source: www.pravda.com.ua
