**Two Chinese Nationals Captured in Ukraine Claim They Were Misled by Russia**
In a rare press conference, two Chinese nationals, Wang Guangjun and Zhang Renbo, who were captured while fighting for Russia against Ukraine, shared their stories of hardship and disillusionment. The pair, who appeared shaken but determined to speak out, claimed they had no connection to the Chinese government and that they signed contracts with the Russian army on their own free will.
According to Wang, he was living in China when he saw an advertisement on TikTok to join the Russian army. The recruiter promised him a lucrative salary of 200,000 to 250,000 Russian rubles ($2,000-$3,000) per month, which is higher than the average salary in China. However, Wang claimed that once he arrived in Russia, his bank card and phone were taken away, leaving him unable to manage his earnings.
Zhang, who came from a wealthy family and worked as a firefighter and rescuer, said he was offered a job in construction but eventually joined the Russian army for financial gain. Both men described their experiences as “hellish” and claimed they had no idea they would be sent to fight on the battlefield.
**Chemical Weapons and Captivity**
Wang made headlines when he alleged that Russian forces used chemical weapons against him after his capture by Ukrainian soldiers. He said he was targeted with a “spray gas” attack, which left him weakened and disoriented. However, it is unclear whether these claims can be verified.
The two captives were brought to a press conference in Kyiv, where they spoke Chinese, which was translated into Ukrainian by a government-provided interpreter. While their sincerity cannot be guaranteed, their statements have raised questions about China’s neutrality in the conflict.
**China’s Neutrality in Question**
China has portrayed itself as a neutral party in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, its actions have been called into question several times, including when it became the Kremlin‘s largest supplier of dual-use goods essential for weapons manufacturing.
The two captives claimed that they had no contact with the Chinese government while fighting in Russia. However, they did mention that Beijing warned Chinese citizens not to travel to areas of hostility and that those who fight in other countries may face punishment under Chinese law.
**A Call to Return Home**
Despite their claims of disillusionment with Russia, both men expressed a desire to return home as part of the future prisoner exchange. They acknowledged that they may face punishment but emphasized their wish to reunite with their families and follow any instructions that will help them do so.
In a poignant statement, Wang said, “Real war is completely different from what we have seen in movies and on TV.” He regretted his decision to join the Russian army and expressed a desire to apologize to his parents. Both men reiterated their message to Chinese citizens: not to participate in wars at all.
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to unfold, the stories of these two captives serve as a reminder of the human cost of war and the complexities of neutrality in international conflicts.