A viral video is stirring up a storm on social media, igniting debates over a possible Chinese military presence in Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Since March 2, the footage has circulated on platforms like X and Bluesky, fueling speculation that Chinese Soldiers might be serving in Russian military units.
Ukrainian commentator and former adviser to Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Anton Gerashchenko, shared the clip, noting that it allegedly shows Chinese people wearing Russian military uniforms—one bearing the insignia of the Bars unit.
The video, reportedly filmed near Selydove, a city in Pokrovsk Raion, remains unverified, leaving key questions unanswered about its authenticity and timing.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its relentless assault on Pokrovsk, a strategically vital logistics hub for Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
Earlier this month, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed control over two more settlements—Skudnoye and Burlatskoye—in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. According to the ministry, Russian forces targeted Ukrainian-held areas in the Donbas, seizing several key positions amid ongoing offensives.
A video appeared online that reportedly shows Chinese people wearing a Russian military uniform. One of them has a marking of a Russian Bars military unit.
It is reported that the video was filmed in the Pokrovsk direction, Donetsk region.
The video has not been verified, it is… pic.twitter.com/pBzwnFP0us
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 2, 2025
What’s In The Video?
The viral footage captures two soldiers inside an abandoned building, with one casually scrawling in Chinese on the wall: “Li Jingjing was here.” As they exchange words, one mutters in Chinese, “Ah, I wrote it wrong again.”
Notably, one soldier sports an armlet from Russia’s BARS (Combat Army Reserve) unit. Another wall in the background bears the inscription “-Wèi Precision Installation.”
The video, shared on X by multiple accounts—including the influential Chinese handle @whyyoutouzhele, pro-Ukrainian Oriannalyla @Lyla_lilas, and UAVoyager @NAFOvoyager—has sparked claims that it was allegedly showing Chinese troops fighting alongside Russian forces in the Pokrovsky direction.
The clip originally surfaced on the Telegram channel “Donbas Operative,” though its authenticity and context remain unverified.
Chinese Peacekeepers In Ukraine?
The timing of this controversy adds another layer of intrigue.
Talks about Chinese peacekeeping troops in Ukraine emerged just days after Washington and Moscow held their first direct dialogue on ending the war.
Zhou Bo, a former Chinese military officer, suggested that if peacekeeping operations are considered, China would be the most viable option for troop deployment. He argued that European forces would be unrealistic, as Russia would view them as “just another form of NATO’s presence.”
However, if Chinese personnel are indeed operating within Russian military units, it could significantly damage Ukraine’s trust in Beijing. Any confirmed military involvement would complicate China’s delicate balancing act between supporting Russia while maintaining diplomatic relations with Kyiv.
China’s Support For Russia
However, as of now, there is no confirmed evidence of Chinese soldiers being directly deployed in Russia. Instead, China’s involvement remains largely indirect, focused on diplomatic support, economic assistance, and military cooperation.
Amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, China has maintained a “no limits” partnership with Russia, which has translated into significant political, economic, and military collaboration.
While Beijing has not provided direct military aid to Russia for the war in Ukraine, it has supplied dual-use technologies—such as drone components, optics, and semiconductors—that bolster Russia’s defense industry. These technologies have helped Moscow mitigate the impact of Western sanctions and sustain its war efforts.
Military Cooperation And Training
Although Chinese troops are not officially fighting in Ukraine, China and Russia have increased military interactions. Reports indicate that China and Russia have conducted joint military exercises, including naval and air force drills, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes maritime patrols near Japan and trilateral naval exercises with Iran in the Gulf of Oman.
Additionally, China has expanded military exchanges with Russia, which may involve personnel training. However, such engagements have not been linked to direct Chinese involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Economic And Diplomatic Backing
China remains Russia’s largest trading partner, purchasing discounted Russian oil and gas, thereby providing Moscow with much-needed financial support. In return, Russia has increased its reliance on Chinese technology and industrial products. This trade relationship has helped Russia circumvent Western sanctions and sustain its war economy.
Diplomatically, China has maintained a neutral stance, calling for peace negotiations while subtly supporting Russia’s position. Beijing has criticized Western sanctions and NATO’s role in the conflict but has stopped short of officially endorsing Russia’s actions
Speculation Or Reality?
However, there is no confirmed evidence that Chinese troops are deployed in Russia. China’s role in the conflict remains a subject of close scrutiny, particularly from the US and NATO, as its support—though indirect—continues to strengthen Russia’s war effort without crossing the threshold of direct military intervention.
- Shubhangi Palve is a defense and aerospace journalist. Before joining the EurAsian Times, she worked for ET Prime. She has over 15 years of extensive experience in the media industry, spanning print, electronic, and online domains.
- Contact the author at shubhapalve (at) gmail.com
