Ukrainian troops captured two Chinese citizens who fought on the side of Russia

The Ukrainian Defense Forces have captured citizens of the People’s Republic of China who fought on the side of the invading Russian forces.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi announced this.

The mercenaries were captured during hostilities in the Donetsk region. Their documents, credit cards, and other personal data were found.

According to the President, the number of Chinese citizens in the ranks of the invading forces may be much higher. The Ukrainian intelligence, the Security Service, and the relevant Armed Forces units are currently investigating all the circumstances.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs was instructed to immediately contact Beijing and find out what China’s official reaction to the fact that its citizens are participating in the war against Ukraine will be.

Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.

We have information suggesting that… pic.twitter.com/ekBr6hCkQL

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 8, 2025

“Russia’s involvement of China in this war in Europe, directly or indirectly, is a clear signal that Putin plans to do anything but end the war. He is looking for ways to continue fighting. This definitely requires a reaction. The reaction of the United States, Europe, and everyone in the world who wants peace,” the President wrote.

The captured Chinese citizens are currently in the custody of the Security Service of Ukraine. Investigative and operational measures are underway.

For reference, photos and videos of Chinese citizens in the ranks of the Russian invasion forces have been posted online for quite some time, but this is the first time they have been taken prisoner.

Chinese legislation

The legislation of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) does not contain a direct definition of the term “mercenary” similar to the international legal definition, particularly as defined in Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1977.

However, the PRC Criminal Code contains articles that may be applicable to such cases. In particular:

• Article 120 punishes the establishment or leadership of a terrorist organization, as well as active participation in it.
• Article 103 provides for punishment for organizing, planning, or performing actions aimed at dividing the country and undermining national unity.

The participation of Chinese citizens in armed conflicts abroad without official state authorization may be considered a violation of national law.

The Chinese authorities consider such activities to threaten state security, which can lead to criminal prosecution, including imprisonment.

As for volunteers, i.e., people who participate in conflicts for ideological or other personal reasons without material reward, Chinese law does not contain a clear prohibition or permission.

However, China adheres to a non-interference policy in other states’ internal affairs, which is reflected in its foreign policy and Constitution. Any unauthorized involvement of Chinese citizens in foreign conflicts may be considered a violation of this principle and national interests.

Chinese spies in Ukraine

On October 28, 2024, it was reported that migration police officers expelled from Ukraine a citizen of the People’s Republic of China who had previously been convicted of espionage.

This Chinese citizen had served his sentence for committing a crime against the foundations of Ukraine’s national security. Upon completion of his sentence, law enforcement officers in the Zaporizhzhia region deported him to his country of origin.

The 48-year-old foreigner, a doctor of technical sciences, worked for a Chinese military-industrial corporation specializing in weapons production and a chemical research institute before coming to Ukraine.

In 2017, he arrived in Ukraine, where he conducted intelligence activities under the guise of official scientific and technical cooperation.

In the Dnipro region, the spy tried to recruit Ukrainian scientists. SSU officers detained him while trying to purchase secret developments in the field of rocket and space technologies for money.