In a stunning revelation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that at least 155 citizens from China are actively fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

This allegation follows the capture of two Chinese fighters earlier this week, marking a significant moment as it is Kyiv's first official assertion that China may be supplying Russia with combatants.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Zelensky insisted that intelligence gathered by his government points to "many more" Chinese nationals involved in the conflict. He expressed concern, stating, "The Chinese issue is serious. There are 155 people with surnames and passport data who are fighting against Ukrainians on our territory."

In response, a spokesperson from the Chinese government urged all parties to accurately understand China's role in the crisis, asserting, "China is neither the creator nor a party to the Ukrainian crisis. We are a staunch supporter and promoter of a peaceful resolution."

Beijing has previously denied the claims of its citizens fighting, labeling them as unfounded.

Earlier this week, Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces had encountered six Chinese soldiers in the eastern Donetsk region, capturing two of them. When asked about this revelation, Russian officials remained tight-lipped.

Zelensky alleged that Russia is actively recruiting Chinese individuals via social media, and insisted that "official Beijing knows about this." According to him, these recruits receive training in Moscow and are provided with necessary documentation and payment before being deployed to Ukraine.

A recent video released by Zelensky appears to show the interrogation of the two captured Chinese soldiers, who spoke in Mandarin about their experiences. One soldier admitted, "It was my first time on duty and my first time in combat. Before this, I had never even fired a gun." The other soldier humorously recounted the chaos, mentioning the confusion in his unit.

Zelensky's alarming claims suggest that the involvement of Chinese citizens in the conflict represents a deliberate effort to escalate the war. He called for a global response, particularly from the United States, declaring the situation "disturbing."

Historically, Ukraine has challenged China’s purported neutral stance in the conflict, with Zelensky previously alleging that China provides components used in Russian weaponry.

While Beijing positions itself as a neutral player assertively denying military agreements with Russia, allegations persist that it facilitates Russia's military production by allowing the export of dual-use technologies.

The situation remains fluid and complex, especially as the world watches for China's next move in this high-stakes geopolitical conflict.