ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday claimed over 150 Chinese citizens are fighting for the Russian military in Ukraine, a day after he disclosed the arrest of two Chinese nationals in the country’s east.

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said there are 155 Chinese citizens known to be fighting for Russia in Ukraine, adding that authorities are collecting more information and he believes there are many more.

"The ‘Chinese’ issue is serious. There are 155 people with names and passport details who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

He said Russia is recruiting Chinese citizens through social media platforms by distributing video advertisements, alleging that Beijing is aware of this.

Zelenskyy on Tuesday said Kyiv arrested two Chinese citizens fighting alongside Russian forces in the eastern Donetsk region, arguing that Moscow involving China is a "clear signal" that Vladimir Putin does not want to end the war.  

'No basis in facts'

Asked if many Chinese nationals were fighting for Russia in Ukraine, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson earlier in the day said "such claim has no basis in facts," and that the "Ukrainian side needs to view correctly China’s effort and constructive role for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis."

On the arrest of Chinese citizens, the spokesperson said China was "verifying the information with the Ukrainian side" and that Beijing "always asks Chinese nationals to stay away from areas of armed conflict, avoid any form of involvement in armed conflict."