Vladimir Putin’s invading Russian forces are much weaker than he would like the world to think, captured Chinese mercenaries have told. Two fighters seized and taken as prisoners of war fighting against Ukraine aid they were “fed lies” by Moscow.
The extraordinary insight into Putin’s chaotic and ragtag army of misfits and conscripts sheds new light on the three-year fight on the front line. Speaking at a press conference organised by the Ukrainian security service Wang Guangjun and Zhang Guangjun said: “All Russia fed us are lies. They’re fake. Russia isn’t as strong as they claim, and Ukraine isn’t as backward as they say.” Their revelation is also a huge embarrassment to China which continues to deny significant numbers of its citizens are serving in Russian forces, saying it advises nationals to “avoid participating in military operations of any party” and is a “staunch supporter” of peace in Ukraine.
Shaven headed Wang and Zhang, dressed in military fatigues, were shackled as they told how they had been captured fighting for Russia in eastern Ukraine earlier this month.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky initially demanded that Beijing explain why Chinese soldiers, as he referred to them, were fighting for Russia.
The pair claimed they were not fighting on behalf of the Chinese state and had no links to its authorities but had been recruited as mercenaries after responding to an online call to arms.
Wang said he was recruited through a TikTok advert in China before travelling via coach to Kazan in south-west Russia, before being shipped through Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia and finally entering eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, where he enlisted.
He said he had been “trapped” into fighting for Russia after losing his job and being misled by images of Russian victories on social media. He “probably” served with the 7th Motorised Brigade.
Zhang claimed to be a tourist in Russia when he spotted an advert and was offered 2 million rubles [£18,423.49] to sign up.
Both complained of the harsh treatment they received, forced into hard physical labour when not at the front, in return for not enough water or food.
The pair were both captured in Donetsk with footage of their detention released on April 8. Both prisoners said they were taken captive immediately after arriving on the front line and had not killed any Ukrainian troops.
Both are currently being held as prisoners of war in Kyiv by Ukrainian security services.
Mr Zelensky said last week that there were at least 155 Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, a claim Beijing dismissed as “irresponsible”.
A significant number of foreign fighters from the former Soviet Union have fought against Ukraine including those from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Latvia, as well as from pro-Russian breakaway regions such as Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria.
North Korea is the only foreign country to have deployed soldiers to help Russia, sending 12,000 troops, including special forces, 500 officers and three generals.
The mercenaries described the scarcity of food, water, electricity, and rock bottom morale at odds with Putin’s tub-thumping declarations that Russia is winning the attritional slug.
On one occasion Wang said they worked until the early hours of the morning only to be given “a pinch of raw rice”.
He said: “I understand that punishment is possible and I am prepared for it [on my return to China] because it’s clear that for participating in war and such actions, there can be consequences. Still, I want to return home to my family.
“For those Chinese compatriots who wish to join the war against Ukraine, I just want to say don’t join this war.”
The Ukrainian propaganda coup comes as US President Donald Trump fired another broadside at Mr Zelensky claiming he had “allowed” the war with Russia to begin, before questioning his competence and insisting Putin would never have invaded under his leadership.
Trump said: “The mistake was letting the war happen. If Biden were competent, and if Zelensky were competent, that war should have never been allowed to happen.
“You take a look at Putin. I’m not saying anybody’s an angel. But I will tell you, I went four years and it wasn’t even a question.”