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Chinese Mercenaries Captured in Ukraine Detail Deceptive Recruitment by Russia

Chinese nationals Zhang Renbo and Wang Guangjun, now POWs in Kyiv, recount being misled into combat roles for Russia and urge others to avoid the conflict.

During a press conference on Monday, Zhang and Wang denied fighting against Ukraine voluntarily.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands during a signing ceremony following their talks in Beijing on May 16, 2024.
Both Chinese soldiers were speaking under armed guard, with no way of telling whether they talking freely
Wang Guangjun said he had seen promotional videos on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, for a job helping Russia's injured soldiers.

Overview

  • Chinese prisoners Zhang Renbo and Wang Guangjun revealed they were recruited through misleading online ads promising non-combat roles and high salaries.
  • Both men described harsh conditions under Russian command, including constant surveillance and restricted movement, making escape impossible.
  • The captives stated that Russia's claims of military strength were false, calling the information they were given lies and warning others not to join the war.
  • Ukraine estimates over 150 Chinese nationals may be fighting for Russia, though Beijing denies any official involvement and is reviewing the captured soldiers' conduct.
  • The Chinese government reiterated its advisories against citizen involvement in conflict zones and is verifying the circumstances of the captives' recruitment and actions.