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‘We have nothing left to fear’ — Chinese volunteer soldiers in Ukraine
Luo Haizhou, a Chinese volunteer serving in Ukraine’s military, recruits other Chinese nationals despite pressure from Chinese security officials on his family. He says the roughly 50 Chinese volunteers fighting for Ukraine oppose Beijing’s tacit support for Moscow, and that enlistment may prevent them from returning home.
Luo arrived in Ukraine in December 2023 hoping to build a new life, then worked in humanitarian aid before enlisting to secure residency. A drone hobbyist, he trained with the 214th Separate Assault Battalion alongside four Chinese recruits, but language barriers initially limited their combat roles; he was preparing to report to the Marines in Odesa. China says it is neutral in the war, while trade with Russia continues and Chinese nationals also fight for Russia.
In short
- Luo recruits Chinese volunteers for Ukraine despite pressure on his family.
- Around 50 Chinese nationals are said to be fighting for Ukraine.
- Enlistment may mean they cannot return to China.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Chinese volunteers may see enlistment as a principled way to oppose Russia’s invasion and Beijing’s practical support for Moscow, while helping defend a country where they hope to build a life. Their service can also be understood as an exercise of personal choice, despite the risks of combat, estrangement from family and possible inability to return to China.
The case against
A reasonable objection is that foreign enlistment exposes the volunteers and their families to grave personal risks, including combat, pressure from authorities and lasting separation. Critics may also question whether joining a foreign military is an effective or responsible response to Beijing’s policy, particularly when the recruits face language barriers and may have limited combat roles.
Explained simply
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, beginning a war that has drawn support for Kyiv from many countries. China says it is neutral, but it has maintained extensive trade with Russia; Chinese citizens have also joined both sides as volunteers.
Luo Haizhou is one of a small number of Chinese nationals serving with Ukraine’s forces. Foreign volunteers can enlist in Ukraine’s military, though language and training affect the roles they can take on. For Chinese volunteers, serving in the war can also carry personal consequences, including difficulty returning to China and pressure on relatives there.
Asia Europe Russia-Ukraine War World