In a somber announcement, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday, November 3, that a second Taiwanese volunteer soldier fighting in Ukraine has been killed amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The man, whose identity is being withheld per his family’s request, was reportedly a member of Ukraine’s foreign volunteer legion, an international unit of fighters established early in the war to bolster Ukrainian resistance.
The news highlights Taiwan’s indirect involvement in the conflict, as Taiwanese nationals join the fight against Russian aggression. The man was identified in local media as Wu Chung-ta, a Taiwanese volunteer who had rejoined the Ukrainian battlefield in July after recovering from a leg injury. His family had supported his decision to return to the front lines, and he leaves behind a legacy of bravery as part of a small yet dedicated group of Taiwanese who have taken up arms in Ukraine.
At the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a bold appeal to the world, calling on foreign nationals to join Ukraine’s “international legion” and aid in the fight against Russian forces. Since then, thousands of volunteers from numerous countries have entered Ukraine, seeking to contribute to its defense. Among them are Taiwanese fighters, although their participation is relatively limited in number.
Taiwan, a self-governed democratic island with a complex relationship with China, shares certain affinities with Ukraine. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has drawn distinct parallels in Taiwan, where a longstanding threat of invasion from China looms. This shared sense of vulnerability has spurred some Taiwanese to see Ukraine’s struggle as emblematic of their own, prompting a small group of Taiwanese nationals to join the Ukrainian forces in solidarity.
While Taiwan’s foreign ministry has refrained from disclosing the identity of the fallen soldier, Taiwanese media have identified him as Wu Chung-ta. Wu’s return to Ukraine in July 2023, following a recovery from a leg injury sustained on the battlefield, underscores his commitment to the cause despite personal risk. Before departing Taiwan, Wu told local media that his family had come to support his decision, recognizing his sense of duty toward Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty and freedom.
Wu’s family, who have chosen to maintain his anonymity, are said to be mourning privately, supported by the Taiwanese government. The government expressed deep condolences for Wu’s loss, acknowledging both his bravery and his family’s sacrifice. Wu’s story has sparked reflection within Taiwan, as citizens ponder the motivations and risks associated with such international solidarity efforts.
Puma Shen, a Taiwanese legislator and member of Taiwan’s defense committee, confirmed that there are currently “five to six” Taiwanese nationals actively fighting in Ukraine. This group is part of a broader foreign legion comprising volunteers from countries as varied as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and even Russia, each determined to support Ukraine’s defense against what they see as an unprovoked invasion by a powerful neighbor.
In November 2022, the first known Taiwanese fighter was killed in Ukraine, making Wu Chung-ta’s death the second instance of a Taiwanese casualty in the conflict. The Taiwanese government has since maintained a neutral stance regarding nationals joining foreign conflicts, offering neither outright endorsement nor dissuasion. Despite its diplomatic relationship with Ukraine being minimal, Taiwan has allowed volunteers to serve in a personal capacity, underscoring their status as private citizens and not official representatives of the Taiwanese government.
Since the launch of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has received significant support from foreign volunteers. As Ukraine’s International Legion has grown, foreign fighters have come from diverse backgrounds: former soldiers, medics, and civilians with no prior military experience. These individuals often cite various motivations for joining the conflict, including ideological commitment, a sense of justice, and empathy for Ukraine’s plight.
President Zelenskyy’s call to the international community for assistance was unprecedented, a rallying cry for foreign fighters to stand against what he framed as an assault on global democracy. While many of these volunteers were initially from neighboring Eastern European countries, the legion now represents over 50 nationalities, with fighters from regions as far-flung as Latin America, Asia, and North America.
For volunteers like Wu, choosing to join the Ukrainian forces carries significant risks. The Ukrainian battlefield is fraught with danger, and foreign fighters face the same challenges as Ukrainian soldiers: exposure to heavy artillery, drone strikes, and life-threatening combat conditions. Additionally, volunteers must adapt to unfamiliar terrain, climate, and language barriers, making their commitment both physically and psychologically demanding.
The legal implications for volunteers are complex. For instance, some countries prohibit their citizens from joining foreign militaries, while others lack specific legislation on the matter. In Taiwan’s case, the government has largely remained silent on the legality of Taiwanese nationals joining Ukraine’s International Legion, emphasizing instead that these individuals act in a personal capacity.
The situation in Ukraine has resonated deeply with the Taiwanese public and government officials alike, as many view Ukraine’s struggle as a potential preview of their own. Taiwan’s complex relationship with China, which claims the island as a breakaway province, bears some resemblance to Ukraine’s situation with Russia. The war has amplified Taiwanese fears of a similar scenario, sparking discussions around Taiwan’s own defense and self-sufficiency.
Taiwanese government officials have expressed both sympathy and solidarity with Ukraine, but the country’s capacity for involvement is constrained by the sensitive geopolitical balance Taiwan must maintain. China has consistently condemned Taiwan’s foreign interactions, and any visible support for Ukraine’s International Legion could heighten tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
Public response in Taiwan to Wu Chung-ta’s death has been mixed, with both admiration for his bravery and concern over the risks involved. Social media and public forums in Taiwan have seen an outpouring of condolences for Wu’s family, while some have criticized the apparent lack of official support for such volunteers. Others have called for the government to issue clearer guidelines regarding Taiwanese citizens joining foreign militaries.
Many Taiwanese citizens see Ukraine’s fight as a symbolic struggle against authoritarianism, but there remains a portion of the population concerned about the implications of Taiwanese nationals participating in an active conflict abroad. The Taiwanese government has yet to clarify its stance on the matter, allowing for a level of ambiguity that underscores the nuanced position Taiwan must take internationally.
Taiwan’s involvement in Ukraine’s foreign legion, albeit indirect and limited in scope, highlights the island’s delicate diplomatic situation. With China watching Taiwan’s every move, the island’s government has refrained from public gestures that might aggravate its relationship with Beijing. As of now, Taiwan’s aid to Ukraine has been largely symbolic, consisting of small-scale donations and expressions of solidarity, rather than direct military or logistical support.
Despite this caution, the war in Ukraine has reinforced Taiwan’s resolve to strengthen its own defenses. The Taiwanese military has ramped up training exercises, and the government has increased military spending, seeking to ensure the island’s preparedness in case of a crisis.
