Kathrine Frich
Russia has increasingly relied on foreign recruits to reinforce its military ranks.
Fighters from North Korea, several African countries, Central Asia and now reportedly China have all appeared on the battlefield supporting Moscow’s war effort.
The growing presence of foreign nationals in Russian units is now creating diplomatic complications for the Kremlin after two Chinese citizens captured by Ukraine remained in custody for more than a year.
Chinese prisoners
According to Ukrainian officials cited by O2, two Chinese citizens captured during fighting last year remain in Ukrainian custody.
Bohdan Okhrimenko, head of Ukraine’s Main Coordination Office for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, said the men were detained during combat operations against Russian forces.
He also suggested the captured fighters may possess Russian passports, although that has not been independently verified.
Beijing responds
China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it is monitoring the situation involving the detained men.
“The Chinese government has appealed to the Ukrainian side to adhere to international standards in the treatment of detained Chinese citizens,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, according to Obozrevatel.
He also stated that Beijing “will take all legal steps to return their citizens from captivity to their homeland as soon as possible.”
Foreign fighters
Ukraine says Russia continues recruiting foreign nationals to support its military operations, including fighters from Africa, Central Asia and North Korea.
Unofficial Ukrainian estimates suggest around 150 Chinese nationals could currently be fighting alongside Russian troops.
According to Ukrainian officials, Moscow has shown little interest in arranging the release of captured Chinese fighters while focusing more heavily on North Korean prisoners.
Diplomatic pressure
Chinese authorities have reportedly warned citizens against traveling to active conflict zones or participating in foreign military operations.
Despite maintaining close economic and political ties with Moscow, Beijing has repeatedly denied direct involvement in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The presence of captured Chinese nationals now risks complicating China’s efforts to maintain that position internationally.
Sources: Obozrevatel, Ukrainian officials, O2
