Two Chinese who were captured days ago in the Donetsk region of Eastern Ukraine, where they fought alongside the Russian forces, said today at a press conference in Kiev that they hoped to return home under an agreement to exchange their prisoners.

The arrest of the two Chinese fighting with Russian troops in eastern Ukraine became known last week. Beijing categorically denied any involvement in their recruitment on behalf of Moscow.

Wearing handcuffs and military surroundings, the two Chinese said during the press conference that they had decided to join the Russian army’s ranks due to online advertising and that they were captured during a battle in the Donetsk region.

“I hope China will be able to exchange me” under a deal with Russia and Ukraine “and go back” to my homeland, said 26 -year -old Jang Renbo.

The 33 -year -old Wang Guangzun called “universes who want to participate in the Ukraine war” not to do so. He said he was convinced by ads he saw on Chinese social media platforms, such as Kuaishou and Douyin.

The two men denied that they were in any way linked to the Chinese government.

Last Friday, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski said that “many hundreds” Chinese are fighting on behalf of the Russian forces in Ukraine. She also accused China for her “involvement” in this conflict, comments that Beijing described as “irresponsibly”.