Two Chinese citizens who were taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk region have shed light on Russia’s use of foreign fighters in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Speaking at a press event in Kyiv, the two men shared details of their experience after joining Russian forces through military contracts.
The individuals, identified as Zhang Renbo and Wang Guangjun, were captured by Ukraine’s 81st Airborne Slobozhanska Brigade and the 157th Mechanized Brigade. According to their statements, neither had prior military experience before enlisting with the Russian army. One man was injured, and the other surrendered during combat operations.
During the briefing, both detainees said they served in separate units that included other Chinese nationals. One claimed his unit had ten Chinese fighters, while the other noted two additional countrymen in his group. They both expressed a desire to return to China and appealed to Chinese authorities for assistance.
The men indicated they were part of Russia’s 7th Motorized Rifle Brigade. When asked if they considered escaping, one replied that such an option was impossible due to tight surveillance by Russian forces.
They also recounted an incident where they were caught in what they believed could have been a chemical attack while in a Russian dugout. According to them, Ukrainian soldiers helped them take shelter and advised them on how to respond during the emergency.
One of the prisoners said the Russian military used his bank account to process payments, but he personally never accessed the funds—implying he had little to no control over the money.
The two detainees said they were being treated fairly in Ukrainian custody. One even mentioned being served food from McDonald’s, emphasizing respectful and humane conditions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously stated that Ukrainian intelligence has identified over 150 Chinese nationals participating in Russia’s invasion. He alleged that many were recruited via social media platforms such as TikTok, often misled by false promises or misinformation.
Beijing has responded by reaffirming its neutral stance on the conflict and denying any formal connection to Chinese citizens who choose to fight abroad. Chinese officials have dismissed the claims as unverified and lacking evidence.
The discovery of Chinese nationals among Russian forces adds a complex dimension to the conflict, raising concerns about foreign recruitment practices and their implications for international diplomacy.
