Kyiv: 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.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy stated, "The 'Chinese' issue is serious. There are 155 people with names and passport details who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine." He mentioned that Russia is recruiting Chinese citizens through social media platforms by distributing video advertisements, alleging that Beijing is aware of this.

Zelenskyy had earlier announced the arrest of two Chinese citizens fighting alongside Russian forces in the eastern Donetsk region. He argued that Moscow involving China is a "clear signal" that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want to end the war.

Responding to these claims, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the assertion "has no basis in facts," urging the Ukrainian side to view correctly China's efforts and constructive role for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Regarding the arrest of Chinese citizens, the spokesperson stated that China is "verifying the information with the Ukrainian side" and emphasized that Beijing "always asks Chinese nationals to stay away from areas of armed conflict, avoid any form of involvement in armed conflict."