Two Chinese mercenaries captured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine said Russia misled them with propaganda.
The UK’s Telegraph reported on Tuesday that Zhang Renbo, 27, and Wang Guangjun, 34, shared their experiences at a press conference held by Ukraine’s Security Service.
Zhang arrived in Moscow last December as a tourist. He volunteered after seeing an ad offering 2 million RUB (about 24,400 USD) to enlist. But he never received the full amount. He got a bank card with 200,000 RUB (about 2,400 USD) but claimed Russian handlers often took his phone, which held the app linked to the card, saying it was to cover fuel costs.
Both prisoners said Russia lied to them about everything. They added that Russia is not as strong as it claims, and Ukraine is not weak.
Zhang was sent to the front lines in Donetsk, Ukraine, where he lived with other foreign fighters. He said he was captured during his first combat mission on April 5. Wang said he signed up as a mercenary after seeing a TikTok ad and contacting Russian representatives in China. He arrived in Moscow in February, signed a contract, and admitted he had no prior combat or weapons experience.
The prisoners reported poor living conditions in the Russian military, with no water or electricity. Wang recalled receiving only uncooked rice after working until dawn. Both men, now held as prisoners of war in Kyiv, expressed a desire to return to China.
Wang acknowledged the potential consequences of his actions, saying he understands he may face punishment for participating in the war and is prepared for that. Still, he wants to return to his family. He also warned other Chinese citizens not to join the war in Ukraine.
China previously rebuked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s claims that hundreds of Chinese nationals were fighting for Russia, urging him to avoid making irresponsible statements.
