Chinese men are drawn to joining Russia’s war effort in Ukraine by ads on social media promising high pay and battlefield adventure.
According to Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), one ad posted on one of the largest social media platforms in China–Weibo, with hundreds of thousands of views, shows men leaving their jobs to fight for Russia and ends with the line, “You’re a man. Be a man.”
The video, in Russian with Chinese subtitles, promises sign-up bonuses worth up to $21,000 and a monthly income of about $2,400—well above average wages in many parts of China.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently accused Moscow of running a “systematic campaign” to recruit Chinese nationals and claimed at least 155 Chinese citizens are serving with Russian forces.
In an April 9 video on Zelenskyy’s social media, a captured Chinese man says he had no combat experience or weapons training before enlisting and traveling to Russia.
Comment sections on social media posts show that money and language requirements are the top concerns among potential recruits.
RFE/RL said there is no evidence that these mercenaries are part of a Chinese government operation. Most appear to have no formal military training.
China’s government has officially denied involvement, saying claims that large numbers of Chinese are fighting in Ukraine are “totally unfounded.” But Zelenskyy has accused Beijing of ignoring Russia’s recruitment activity.
Despite China’s tight control of the internet, many of these ads remain online and continue to circulate.
The video, in Russian with Chinese subtitles, promises sign-up bonuses worth up to $21,000 and a monthly income of about $2,400—well above average wages in many parts of China.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently accused Moscow of running a “systematic campaign” to recruit Chinese nationals and claimed at least 155 Chinese citizens are serving with Russian forces.
In an April 9 video on Zelenskyy’s social media, a captured Chinese man says he had no combat experience or weapons training before enlisting and traveling to Russia.
While reports of Chinese nationals fighting on both sides of the conflict have surfaced since early in the war, the latest statements have focused attention on Russia’s methods of recruitment.The first two captured Chinese citizens. Today, investigators from the Security Service of Ukraine spoke with them. We are working to establish all the facts regarding the involvement of these and other Chinese citizens being part of the Russian occupation army. Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/PkBpBjI2Qm
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 9, 2025
Comment sections on social media posts show that money and language requirements are the top concerns among potential recruits.
RFE/RL said there is no evidence that these mercenaries are part of a Chinese government operation. Most appear to have no formal military training.
China’s government has officially denied involvement, saying claims that large numbers of Chinese are fighting in Ukraine are “totally unfounded.” But Zelenskyy has accused Beijing of ignoring Russia’s recruitment activity.
Despite China’s tight control of the internet, many of these ads remain online and continue to circulate.
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