‘Deceived by Russian propaganda, we found ourselves in a war’: the tale of the two Chinese captured by Kiev

Two Chinese citizens captured in Ukraine recount online recruitment, false economic promises and difficult conditions in the Russian ranks. Beijing: ‘Avoid instrumentalisation’.

Advertisements on TikTok, promises of high salaries and the hope of a better future. This is how Wang Guangjun, 33, and Zhang Renbo, 26, two Chinese citizens now prisoners of war in Ukraine, ended up fighting in the ranks of the Russian army.

At a press conference in Kiev, organised by the Ukrainian government, both recounted their experience for the first time, raising new questions about Moscow’s recruitment of foreigners and Beijing’s ambiguous role in the conflict.

‘I thought it was a job. It was war’

Wang, a former worker who remained unemployed in China, explained that he saw an ad on TikTok promising salaries between 200,000 and 250,000 roubles per month for those who enlisted in Russia. ‘They told me they would pay for the trip and prepare all the documents. In China, being in the military is considered prestigious, so I agreed,’ he said. But the reality turned out to be very different: ‘They took away my phone and credit card. I no longer had control over my money’.

Zhang, a former firefighter from a wealthy family, said he arrived in Russia last December convinced he would work in construction. Shortly afterwards, he was drafted. ‘I didn’t want to fight. I just wanted to earn money,’ he said.

Gesture commands and impossible escape attempts

Both explained that commands were given ‘in gestures’ by Russian officers, due to the language barrier. The training camp was strictly guarded, making any escape impossible. Wang said he was captured after only three days at the front during an attack: ‘They stunned me with a gas. I lost consciousness, then a Ukrainian soldier pulled me out. They always treated us well’.

In their account, they also mention the presence of foreign soldiers from Ghana, Iraq and Central Asia. Zhang stated that he had never seen a Ukrainian soldier until he was captured.

Zelensky: ‘We have evidence of 155 Chinese enlisted’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously spoken of 155 Chinese nationals enlisted in Russian forces. Cnn reported that it had seen a document from Ukrainian security agencies containing names and contracts signed in 2024.

China denied any involvement, claiming neutrality. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian urged to avoid ‘instrumentalisation’ and stated that Beijing is verifying the information, recalling that the government has ‘repeatedly asked citizens to stay away from conflict areas and not participate in military operations’.

The message to compatriots: ‘Do not make our mistake’

‘I would like to tell my compatriots not to join this war. Everything we were told was a lie,’ Wang said. ‘We thought Russia was very strong and Ukraine very weak. Instead it is the opposite. Better not to get involved in wars.’

Zhang added: ‘I just want to go home, even though I know I might be punished.’ Wang concluded with an emotional plea: ‘I regret coming. The only wish I have is to apologise to my parents and return to China’.