‘Don’t come, there’s nothing good here’ — Chinese soldiers warn against following Russian propaganda to fight in Ukraine

Chinese nationals recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine are now warning others against joining, revealing a stark contrast between the promises made during recruitment and the harsh realities on the ground. Captured Chinese soldiers have reported experiences of brutality, racism, and unpaid wages, cautioning potential recruits with messages like, “Don’t come. There is nothing good here to come to.”

Despite China’s official stance of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian intelligence has identified at least 163 Chinese nationals fighting for Moscow. Recruitment efforts have been facilitated through Chinese social media platforms like Douyin, where ads offer substantial financial incentives, including sign-up bonuses up to 2.3 million rubles (approximately $27,000) and annual salaries of 5.2 million rubles (around $62,000).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Beijing of either supporting or failing to prevent the recruitment of its citizens by Russia. While China maintains it promotes peace and advises its citizens to avoid conflict zones, the presence of these recruitment ads raises questions about the Chinese government’s oversight or tolerance of such activities. ​

The testimonies of Chinese soldiers underscore the dissonance between the allure of financial gain and the grim realities of warfare, serving as a cautionary tale against the influence of propaganda and the perils of foreign mercenary involvement.​

Here are the key implications of Chinese nationals being recruited—and later warning others—about fighting for Russia in Ukraine:

1. Geopolitical Strain Between China and Ukraine

• Diplomatic Fallout: Ukraine could increase pressure on China diplomatically, especially if more evidence surfaces of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia.

• Credibility Issue for Beijing: China’s claim of neutrality is undermined by these developments, possibly weakening its image as a legitimate peace broker in the conflict.

2. Exposure of Russia’s Desperation

• Manpower Shortages: Russia’s reliance on foreign fighters, including from China, signals severe depletion of its own military resources.

• Propaganda Backfire: The fact that these Chinese soldiers are warning others about the conditions contradicts Russian recruitment propaganda and could slow future enlistment efforts.

3. Risk to Chinese Citizens

• Human Rights Concerns: Reports of mistreatment, racism, and unpaid wages may trigger public outcry or scrutiny within China, especially if families of fighters speak out.

• Government Responsibility: The Chinese government may face internal and international pressure to crack down on recruitment networks and protect its citizens.

4. Wider Implications for Foreign Fighters

• Deterrent Effect: These testimonies could discourage other nationals from being lured by the promise of quick money to fight in foreign wars.

• Legal & Security Issues: Countries whose citizens fight as mercenaries may eventually criminalize such actions or increase monitoring to prevent international legal entanglements.

5. Information Warfare and Narrative Shifts

• Counter-Propaganda Tool: Ukraine and its allies could use these testimonies as part of an information campaign to expose the realities of the war and weaken Russia’s soft power abroad.

• Digital Battlefield: The use of Chinese social media (like Douyin) for recruitment shows how modern conflict is also being waged through algorithms and misinformation.

The warnings from Chinese fighters in Ukraine reveal a stark disconnect between Russian recruitment promises and battlefield reality—exposing Russia’s growing desperation and the human cost of its propaganda. It also puts pressure on China to reconcile its neutral stance with the real-world involvement of its citizens. Ultimately, this development is a powerful reminder of how foreign fighters can become pawns in geopolitical conflicts, drawn in by money or misinformation, only to face betrayal and hardship.