Zelensky Says 155 Chinese Nationals Fighting on Russia's Side

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainian intelligence had information about 155 Chinese citizens fighting for the Russian military against Ukraine.

- 

KYIV -

The Ukrainian leader was speaking to reporters on April 9 after the capture of two Chinese nationals in eastern Ukraine, where Russian troops have been advancing. He said he hoped that Washington would speak to Moscow about the battlefield deployment of Chinese citizens.

Mr. Zelensky said Russia was recruiting Chinese citizens via social media and that Chinese officials were aware of it. He also said Ukraine's security service had compiled lists of names, birth dates, and the Russian military units where the Chinese nationals were assigned.

Ukraine was trying to assess whether the recruits were receiving instructions from Beijing, he said.

"The Chinese issue is serious," Mr. Zelensky said. "There are 155 people with names and passport details - 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine. We are collecting information and believe that there are more, many more."

Mr. Zelensky said Ukraine was prepared to exchange the captured Chinese nationals for Ukrainian servicemen now in detention.