At least 155 Chinese people are fighting for Russia, according to Volodymyr Zelensky, chairman of Ukraine.
His remarks come after two Foreign fighters were apprehended earlier this year, bolstering Kyiv’s first official claim that China was providing labor to Russia.
Zelensky reiterated his say that there are “many more” Chinese nationals at risk of dying in the fight in a statement released on Wednesday to editors.
China has recently denied that many of its people are fighting for Russia, claiming that the state has” no foundation in details.” Zelensky’s most recent number has not yet been responded to by Beijing.
On Wednesday, China’s foreign ministry’s spokesman Lin Jian said they were still “verifying the relevant situation with Ukraine” and appeared to suggest that the Chinese soldiers were operating in a private capacity.
” Let me put it this way: the Chinese government often asks Chinese citizens to stay away from places of armed conflict, to avoid any type of participation in armed conflict, and to specifically avoid participating in any group’s military activities,” said Lin Jian.
He likewise urged Ukraine to “perform the Chinese energy and creative responsibility for the political arrangement of the Ukraine crisis in a fair way.”
Days later, Zelensky rebutted his assertions, saying” the Taiwanese issue is severe.”
“There are 155 people with surnames, with passport data – 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine,” he said, according to remarks reported by Interfax.
He added that “official Beijing is aware of this” and that Russia was using social media to recruit Taiwanese people.
The alleged volunteers receive instruction in Moscow before being deployed to the front lines of battle in Ukraine, according to Zelensky, as well as relocation documents and transaction.
He claimed earlier this week that his troops had taken two prisoners from six Chinese soldiers in the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine. Russia’s response to this discovery was not commented on.
The president of Ukraine claimed that” Putin’s role in this war in Europe, along with other nations, whether directly or indirectly, sends a clear message that he does nothing but end the war.”
The reviews have been described as “disturbing” in the US.
Ukraine has in the past questioned China’s declared neutral stance. Zelensky previously alleged that Beijing supplies “elements that are part of Russia’s weaponry” and called for the country to maintain a “consistent” position.
The US has accused China of aiding Russia in producing more weapons, armored vehicles, and missiles. Additionally, it has been scrutinized for allowing the export of dual-use technology, such as computer chips and drones, to Russia, both economically and diplomatically.
China has tried to present itself as a natural party in the fight despite having close political and economic ties with Beijing and Moscow, and it has repeatedly denied providing Russia with military technology.
It defends its deal with Moscow by claiming that it “prudently handles the trade of dual-use things in accordance with laws and regulations” and that it is not selling lethal weapons.
The allegations about Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia follows Ukraine’s capture of two injured North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.