On April 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a video on X that, according to him, showed one of two Chinese nationals captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for Russia. In a press conference, Zelensky claimed that China was now providing military support to Russia and warned: “The United States should pay attention.” The next day, he released a second video showing both detainees, identified as Zhang Renbo and Wang Guangjun, along with photos of their Chinese passports. Zelensky also stated that Ukraine is aware of more than 150 Chinese citizens fighting alongside Russian troops.
China’s response came swiftly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was verifying the Ukrainian claims and reiterated that it does not support its citizens’ involvement “in military operations on either side.” While Beijing has supplied dual-use components to Russia’s defense industry, kept its economy afloat through energy purchases, and promoted narratives blaming Ukraine and NATO for the war, its leadership has consistently declared neutrality and avoided direct military involvement. So far, there is no evidence that Chinese fighters in Ukraine are receiving state support. Still, their presence on the battlefield is neither new nor surprising. Since the war began, Chinese nationals on both sides have been sharing videos of their experiences on social media.
Those who joined Russian forces often say they were drawn by a thirst for adventure or the promise of money. Some are also driven by nationalism. A 23-year-old man from Gansu province told independent outlet Initium that he flew to Moscow in 2023 after seeing a social media video promoting high wages. As a firefighter, he earned 3,000 yuan a month (about $400), but as a mercenary, he believed he could make five times more. Another fighter known as “Red Macaron” on Douyin—China’s version of TikTok—said he wanted to experience war, inspired by patriotic Chinese films. He joined the Russian side because it was easier to obtain a visa, he told Chinese media. Zhao Rui, a 38-year-old from Chongqing, reportedly enlisted to fight any Japanese who might be aiding Ukraine. He died in 2023 after being hit by a Ukrainian drone.
Regret has become a common theme among Chinese combatants. Before his death, Zhao posted videos on Douyin urging fellow Chinese not to join the war: “If you find a job in China, you can earn the same,” he said. Zhou Zhiqiang, another mercenary, claimed on the same platform that Russians “don’t treat us like humans.” In a recent interview with exiled Chinese journalist Chai Jing, “Red Macaron” said they were being used as “cannon fodder.” He was reportedly locked in a pit alongside Russian deserters after complaining about poor-quality gear. He had lost the will to fight, he said, but was not allowed to leave—and doubted the Chinese embassy would offer any help.
On the other side of the conflict, some Chinese citizens have volunteered to fight for Ukraine. One of them was Peng Chenliang from Yunnan province, who was detained in China for seven months after posting anti-Russian and pro-Ukrainian messages on X in 2023. In 2024, he joined Ukraine’s foreign legion and died that same year. Before his death, Peng recorded a video holding a Taiwanese flag, expressing his wish to be remembered alongside Tseng Sheng-kuang, a Taiwanese volunteer who died fighting for Ukraine in 2022.
The deaths of Chinese fighters on both sides have sparked an intense online debate: are they brave heroes, greedy mercenaries, or misled nationalists? So far, the Chinese government has stayed silent. But it may soon be forced to take a stance.
