Ukraine’s Sole Volunteer Fighter from China Killed in Combat

A Chinese national who had been fighting alongside Ukrainian forces in the war against Russia has reportedly died in action. Peng Chengliang, 29, a member of Ukraine’s International Legion, was killed after being deployed to the frontlines earlier this year.

According to Newsweek, Peng, originally from Yunnan province, joined the International Legion in April, driven by his opposition to authoritarian regimes. The legion, which consists of foreign volunteers, includes fighters from various countries, although no other Chinese nationals have been confirmed to have joined the Ukrainian side.

Huang Chunsheng, a senior pastor at Jinan Presbyterian Church in Taipei, Taiwan, confirmed Peng’s death in a Facebook post on Sunday. Huang stated that Peng had been assigned to the 1st Infantry Battalion of Ukraine’s International Legion but had requested a transfer to the 2nd Battalion, which included three Taiwanese soldiers.

Peng, who had voiced support for Taiwan's freedom and democracy, had expressed a desire to be buried in a “free Ukraine” under Taiwan's national flag. Before joining the fight in Ukraine, Peng was detained by Chinese authorities for seven months over posts on X (Twitter) that were deemed anti-Russian, anti-communist, and pro-Taiwanese, according to Huang.

After arriving in Ukraine, Peng faced further difficulties, including being swindled by another Chinese national who promised assistance but defrauded him of thousands of dollars. He later received help from a local Ukrainian.

The Ukrainian and Chinese foreign ministries have not provided official comment regarding Peng’s death.

Earlier, Robert Deegan, a former Irish Army Ranger, was killed in action while fighting Russian forces in Ukraine. The 29-year-old, from Newbridge, County Kildare, had previously been injured in 2022 by an IED but returned to the frontlines after rehabilitation.

Serving with the special unit “Stugna,” he was fatally wounded while covering his team’s retreat. Deegan, who had served in the Irish Army for 11 years, was deeply committed to Ukraine’s defense despite having no prior connection to the country.