China’s foreign ministry responded that it is verifying the Ukrainians’ claims and that it does not support its nationals’ participation “in any party’s military operations”. Though China has supplied dual-use components for Russia’s defence industry, kept Russia’s economy afloat with energy purchases, and promoted propaganda blaming Ukraine and nato for the war, its leaders have consistently claimed neutrality and been careful to avoid direct military involvement. There is no proof that the Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Ukraine are state-supported. It is no surprise, however, that they are there. Chinese fighters on both sides in Ukraine have been posting videos of their exploits on social media throughout the war.
