Ukraine hands China evidence of its citizens fighting for Russia, Beijing responds

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported the information.

On April 12, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Ma Shengkun. During the meeting, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis stressed that the involvement of Chinese citizens in the war against Ukraine and the support provided by Chinese companies to Russia’s military sector raise serious concerns and undermine bilateral relations.

"Ukrainian intelligence has provided evidence of these facts to the Chinese side," the statement said.

Perebyinis urged China to take measures to halt any support for Russian aggression against Ukraine, despite Beijing’s repeated claims that such support does not exist. He also expressed hope that China would refrain from actions in the future that could damage bilateral relations.

On Wednesday, April 23, the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to the meeting in Kyiv with its ambassador.

During a press conference, a journalist asked the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson what information the Chinese ambassador had conveyed to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry during the meeting.

"We have already clarified China's position on relevant issues. China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation," said Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Ministry.

Zelenskyy's statements on Chinese nationals' involvement in the war against Ukraine

During a briefing on April 22, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he had instructed the Foreign Intelligence Service to provide China with relevant information about the involvement of Chinese citizens in the war on Russia’s side. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha is also conveying this information to the Ukrainian Embassy in Beijing.

“I separately asked the Security Service to share broader information with the Chinese side regarding Chinese citizens working at a drone manufacturing plant in Russia,” the president said.

According to Ukraine’s intelligence, Russia made arrangements with these individuals without Beijing’s official approval and stole drone production technologies.

“I think it will be important for Beijing to see how their partners are actually working with them,” Zelenskyy added.

• Two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army were captured by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk direction. Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the Foreign Minister to urgently contact the Chinese authorities. The U.S. described the incident as concerning.
• On April 9, President Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian special services were aware of at least 155 Chinese citizens fighting in the Russian army.
• The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated they were unaware of this. Later, Beijing announced its intention to investigate and assess the actions of its citizens who were captured in Ukraine, in accordance with national law.