Ukraine shows Chinese fighters who fight for Russia

Ukraine shows Chinese fighters who fight for Russia

The presence of prisoners of prisoners of war in front of journalists and cameras is very likely to be a violation of international humanitarian law. Nevertheless, the Ukraine apparently saw more benefits in causing two supposedly captured fighters from China in a press conference than risking possible reputation damage through this measure.

The motives of the prisoners of war

It was argued that it was more important to offer prisoners of war a platform than to protect against public curiosity and insults - a fundamental right that the International Committee emphasizes from the Red Cross. The two men who were dressed in combat suits were guarded by armed Ukrainian security forces and were ready to answer questions in Mandarin. A translator supported her during the press conference.

The men, who are not named by CNN, reported on how financial incentives played a crucial role in their history. One of them said that he had lost his job during the Corona pandemic and was looking for a way to make money. The offer of 250,000 rubles (around $ 3,000) per month in Russia exceeded its potential income.

The role of recruitment

When someone with experience in medical rehabilitation, he said that he had told the recruiter that he wanted to take on similar tasks in the Russian military. But in Moscow he was forced to train for a combat role. The contract documents were only in Russian, which both men could not understand; Communication was mainly via hand signals.

A Ukrainian intelligence officer reported CNN that Russia is dependent on foreign fighters because it was in a war of wear. "It is not able to maintain the long front line with your own soldiers and use every opportunity to recruit," says the source.

The geopolitical environment

The capture of the Chinese fighters has aroused interest on how they were recruited and whether the Chinese government played an active role. Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selenskyj showed that Kiev believes that Beijing is informed about the processes. When asked whether he believes that the presence of Chinese citizens in Ukraine was the result of China's official policy, Selenskyj replied that there was still no clear answer.

The captive fighters, however, made it clear that they acted as individuals and were inspired by appealing recruitment videos on Tiktok. These clips, which have been circulating on Chinese social media for more than a year, show alleged Russian soldiers in training and advertise participation. Although it remains unclear whether the Chinese subtitles were inserted by an official source or users, one of the men said that the videos found resonance in China, since military skills are highly valued there.

The importance of the press conference

Although Ukraine has held press conferences with prisoners of war in the past, the decision to present Chinese prisoners of war is unusual. The timing is important because Kiev tries to get a hearing with US President Donald Trump in his fight against Moscow. Washington also focuses strongly on China, which some in the White House considered the most important global rival of the United States.

Selenskyj's perspective shows a clear interest in strengthening everything that indicates that China's support for Russia goes beyond diplomatic and economic relationships. However, it could also be that the Ukrainian President sends a message to the European Union, as they have recently searched for China to find possible joint solutions in the context of trade conflicts.

Beijing sees the events clearly critically and explained that the parties concerned should understand the role of China correctly and soberly without commenting. The dispute over the recruitment and the commitment of foreign fighters remains a sensitive and geopolitical topic.