Chinese Recruits Claim Russia Withheld Pay Amid Ukraine Conflict
Two captured Chinese recruits, Wang and Zhang, allege that Russian authorities withheld payments and concealed crucial service details regarding their participation in the Ukraine conflict. Both were misled by recruitment promotions about pay and benefits, with Wang highlighting a TikTok video that piqued their interest. China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry is currently investigating the claims as the number of Chinese enlistees in the Russian military rises.
Two Chinese nationals, Wang Guangjun and Zhang Renbo, captured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, reported that they were not paid by Russian authorities and were misled about their military service. At a Kyiv press conference on April 14, Renbo disclosed he received a bank card with 200,000 rubles (roughly $2,200) but could not access those funds, relying instead on another recruit to transfer money to his phone account, which was seized under the guise of fuel costs.
Wang, hailing from Jiangxi Province, shared that he and fellow recruits were kept in the dark about their compensation details until their arrival in Ukraine. “They hid all this information from us until we got to the place,” he said, explaining that they lacked prior knowledge of their expected pay.
Both recruits were motivated by the allure of a TikTok recruitment video promising free travel and prestige associated with military service in China. Wang stated, “The money was attractive, and the recruiter offered to pay all the travel expenses.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted that these men, identified in videos released by him, are part of at least 163 Chinese nationals reportedly serving alongside Russian forces. In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is verifying Ukraine’s assertions and reiterated its position against allowing its citizens to partake in military operations for any side in the conflict.
Additionally, it was noted that over 51 Chinese nationals joined the Russian military via a recruitment center in Moscow from June 2023 to May 2024.
The revelations by Wang and Zhang regarding withheld payments and misleading recruitment practices emphasize the issues faced by foreign nationals enlisting in conflicts. The Chinese government’s ongoing verification process highlights the complexities of international military involvement and the ethical groundings related to recruiting practices. The situation underscores the necessity for clearer communication and ethical standards in recruitment procedures worldwide.
Original Source: united24media.com
