Zelensky: “Russia is recruiting Chinese to the war through TikTok”

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky made a serious statement about Chinese citizens fighting on the side of the Russian army. According to him, Ukrainian authorities have identified the identities of at least 155 Chinese citizens who are participating in combat operations against Ukrainian forces on Ukrainian territory.

“The issue of China is serious. We have the surnames and passport details of 155 people — 155 Chinese citizens fighting against Ukrainians on Ukrainian territory. We are collecting information and believe that the actual number is much higher,” Zelensky was quoted by UNIAN.

Recruitment through TikTok?
According to Zelensky, Chinese nationals are being recruited into the Russian army through social media, especially via TikTok. The Russian side is allegedly spreading promotional videos on these platforms to attract recruits.

“One of the schemes is through social networks, where Russians are posting recruitment videos — especially on TikTok and other Chinese platforms. This is not secret — it’s open recruitment. Russia is conducting propaganda even through Chinese social media. Maybe there are also hidden methods,” Zelensky said.

He noted that official Beijing has not yet responded to this situation.

Military training: from tests to the frontline
Zelensky reported that Chinese citizens who join the Russian army first arrive in Moscow, where they undergo medical exams for 3–4 days, and then are sent to training centers for 1–2 months of military preparation. They are issued migration cards and MIR payment system cards, through which they receive money.

Chinese prisoners captured in Donetsk
On April 8, Zelensky announced that two Chinese citizens, who fought on the Russian side in Donetsk region, were taken prisoner. One of them admitted that he paid $300,000 to a middleman to join the Russian army. According to him, he wanted to become a soldier and obtain Russian citizenship.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on its citizens to stay away from participating in armed conflicts.

The appearance of foreign fighters — especially Chinese — in the Russian army indicates that the war has entered a new and alarming phase. Ukrainian leadership and the international community are calling for tighter control of the situation. Recruitment through platforms like TikTok is now being seen as a new form of industrialized propaganda. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!