Ukraine presents Chinese fighters for Russia - what message?

Ukraine presents Chinese fighters for Russia - what message?

The presentation of prisoners of war in front of reporters and news cameras is most likely a violation of international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, Ukraine seemed to be happy to spread such a message during a press conference in which two supposedly captured fighters from China were the focus.

The decision of Ukraine

The argument could have been that the possible reputation damage is lower due to the presentation of the prisoners than the benefits that this platform offers for its votes. In contrast to the protection of prisoners, this is against "insult and public curiosity" - a principle that, according to the International Committee from the Red Cross, also includes protection against media reporting.

China's neutral position

china has always claimed neutrality in the conflict in Russia with Ukraine and warns its citizens not to interfere in foreign conflicts. Nevertheless, Beijings's action in Kiev is observed closely because it is important diplomatic and economic support for Moscow.

the prisoners of war

The prisoners of war, who were dressed in combat suits and answered questions about Mandarin, were under the protection of armed Ukrainian security forces while an interpreter was sitting at their side. They reported that financial incentives played a decisive role in their stories.

Financial incentives and recruitment

One of the prisoners stated that he was looking for a way to make money after losing his place during the corona crisis. The promise of 250,000 rubles (approximately USD 3,000) per month in Russia exceeded its earning opportunities at home by more than twice. Despite his experience in medical rehabilitation, after reporting to Moscow, he was applied to complete combat training.

lack of language skills and documentation

One of the problems was that the documents were only written in Russian that the two men did not understand. One of them communicated mainly by hand signals.

insights into the recruitment contracts

It is assumed that a contract with the Russian army signed by another Chinese fighter gives an indication of what the two prisoners of war have agreed. The contract, which was presented by a Ukrainian secret service source, obliges volunteers to "take part in fighting and duties during the mobilization phase ... emergencies and war law".

battles and capture

The two men had only fought for three days and reported chaotic moments that led to their capture. If the commander had not expressed a "there, there" ("yes, yes, yes" in Russian) to signal the attack, they might have continued without knowing where the goal was.

Foreign fighters in conflict

Foreign fighters have been present on both sides since the beginning of the conflict. A list viewed by CNN shows that, by the end of 2024, foreign war prisoners captured in Ukraine, among others, from Sri Lanka, Nepal and from South Sudan and Syria.

The role of China in conflict

The influence of public perception

Although Ukraine has already organized press conferences with prisoners of war in the past, the decision to present Chinese prisoners is outstanding. The time is important because Ukraine is important to the upper hand about the US politics in relation to the conflict with Russia. With this measure, Kiev could also send a message to the EU that has recently shown approaches to China.

The reaction of China's

Beijing reacted to this presentation with a request to properly understand the role of China and to avoid responsible statements. These diplomatic tensions illustrate the complex geopolitical network in which Ukraine and international actors act.