More than 150 Chinese citizens are fighting for Russia as of this month, a Ukrainian intelligence document seen by the Kyiv Independent claims. A separate document reportedly shows photos and passport details of 13 Chinese nationals who were being considered to serve for Russia’s Armed Forces as of April 2.

Speaking to the media on April 9, President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "There are 155 Chinese citizens who are fighting against Ukrainians on the territory of Ukraine. We are collecting information, we believe that there are many more.The Ukrainian President added: "For these 155 there is passport data, where they are from, their Chinese documents, age, et." Mr Zelensky said that the Chinese soldiers had been serving as part of Russia's 70th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, the 255th Rifle Division, as well as others.

Earlier this week, Mr Zelenksy’s forces clashed with Chinese soldiers in eastern Ukraine, capturing two of them during the fighting. The president said six troops from China were involved and accused Beijing of effectively joining Russia’s war effort.

Mr Zelensky compared the capturing of the Chinese soldiers to the North Korean troops who were caught aiding Russia months ago.

In a statement shared on X, Mr Zelensky said: "Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territory—in the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.

"We have information suggesting that there are many more Chinese citizens in the occupier's units than just these two. We are currently verifying all the facts—intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the relevant units of the Armed Forces are working on it."

President Zelensky ordered Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to contact Beijing following the capture. Beijing responded by saying it was "verifying" the information.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Ukrainian president said: “This is another country that militarily supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“But there is a difference: the North Koreans fought against us on the front in Kursk, the Chinese are fighting on the territory of Ukraine.”

North Korea sent around 12,000 soldiers to Russia's Kursk Oblast, partially occupied by Ukrainian troops, last year to boost the country’s lines.