In a bold statement on April 9th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of pulling China into the ongoing war in Ukraine, claiming Beijing was well aware that its citizens were being recruited to fight alongside Russian forces.
Zelensky revealed that Kyiv had gathered intelligence on more than 150 Chinese nationals allegedly involved in combat on the frontlines, with two Chinese citizens recently captured by Ukraine’s military in the eastern Donetsk region.
Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine was prepared to offer a swap, releasing the captured Chinese fighters in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia. He described China’s direct involvement in the conflict as a strategic move by Moscow to escalate the war, accusing them of intentionally prolonging the fighting.
The Ukrainian president’s remarks came just hours after China denied large-scale recruitment of its citizens to join Russia’s military efforts. Beijing also issued a strong warning to Chinese nationals, advising them to steer clear of any involvement in the ongoing hostilities.
As tensions between the nations mount, Zelensky’s comments shed light on the growing complexity of international players in the war, signaling a potential shift in the global dynamics surrounding the conflict.
