Chinese fighting for Russia in Ukraine are mercenaries, say US

China, which has declared a “boundless” partnership with Russia and refrained from criticizing Ukraine’s large -scale invasion in 2022 by Moscow, called Zelenskiy comments “irresponsible” and said China is not part of the war.

US authorities said, on anonymity, that Chinese combatants seem to have minimal training and are not having any noticeable impact on Russian military operations.

The CIA, the Office of the US National Intelligence Director and the National Security Council, as well as the China Embassy in Washington, did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

The former Western intelligence employee with knowledge of the subject told Reuters that there were about 200 Chinese mercenaries fighting Russia, with which the Chinese government had no bond.

But Chinese military officers, with Beijing’s approval, have traveled close to Russia’s front lines to take war lessons and tactics. The officers “are there absolutely under approval,” said the former officer.

China has provided Moscow material support to assist in its war against Ukraine, especially with the sending of double -use products – components needed to maintain weapons such as drones and tanks.