China Denounces Zelenskyy's Claims over Chinese Fighters in Ukraine

On April 10, 2025, China sharply rebutted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's assertions that Chinese nationals were being recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that the country is committed to peace and advises its citizens to avoid conflict zones, describing Zelenskyy's remarks as irresponsible. Documents and photos were shared with the press, detailing the movements and training of individuals alleged to be Chinese mercenaries, including those captured in eastern Ukraine.

Zelenskyy claimed that over 150 Chinese fighters are active in the conflict, with intelligence suggesting that recruitment efforts are partly conducted through Chinese social media platforms like TikTok. Despite acknowledging that definitive evidence tying the recruitment to a state policy was lacking, he argued that the process was mostly public with certain covert elements, further fueling geopolitical tensions around China’s role in the conflict.