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China's covert military training of Russian soldiers exposes deeper involvement in Ukraine war
In a revelation that undermines Beijing's longstanding claims of neutrality, the Chinese military secretly trained approximately 200 Russian troops in late 2025, with some later returning to fight in Ukraine, according to a Reuters investigation based on documents and three European intelligence sources. The training, focused heavily on drone warfare, electronic combat, and explosives, was conducted under a bilateral agreement signed in Beijing on July 2, 2025, by senior Russian and Chinese army officers. This marks the first known instance of Russian military personnel being trained on Chinese soil since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
The China-Russia military partnership has steadily deepened since the war started, but this revelation signals a direct operational role for Beijing that goes far beyond the economic and diplomatic support it has publicly acknowledged. European intelligence officials say the training program shows China is 'much more closely involved' in the conflict than previously understood.
What training did Russian troops receive in China?
The secret agreement, written in both Russian and Chinese, outlined training for roughly 200 Russian servicemen at multiple Chinese military facilities. According to internal Russian military reports seen by Reuters, four specific training sessions took place between November and December 2025:
1. Combined arms warfare at Shijiazhuang
A December 2025 report describes a course at the PLA Army Infantry Academy's department in Shijiazhuang, where about 50 Russian soldiers trained in firing 82mm mortars while using drones for target identification.
2. Air defense and electronic warfare in Zhengzhou
Training at a facility in Zhengzhou focused on counter-drone measures, including electronic warfare rifles to disrupt drone signals, net guns to capture drones, and the use of drones to intercept incoming enemy UAVs.
3. Drone piloting at Yibin Aviation Center
A third report, dated December 2025 and authored by a Russian major, details drone training at the PLA Military Aviation Training Center in Yibin. The course used multimedia presentations, flight simulators, and hands-on training with various FPV drones and two other drone types.
4. Explosives and demining at Nanjing University
A November 2025 course at the Nanjing University of Military Engineering covered explosive technology, mine construction, demining, and clearing unexploded ordnance and IEDs. The report included photographs of Russian soldiers in uniform receiving instruction from Chinese military instructors.
The drone warfare in Ukraine has transformed the conflict, making drone expertise a critical battlefield asset. While Russia has gained extensive combat experience, China's massive drone industry offers advanced technological know-how and training methods, including flight simulators, that Russia lacks.
How does this contradict China's neutrality claims?
Since the invasion began, Beijing has consistently stated it maintains a neutral, objective position and promotes peace talks. The Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated this stance when asked about the Reuters report, saying: 'Regarding the Ukraine crisis, China has consistently maintained an objective and impartial stance and committed to peace talks. This is consistent and clear, and is confirmed by the international community. The parties involved should not deliberately stoke confrontation or shift blame.'
However, the evidence of direct military training — including photographs of Russian soldiers being taught by Chinese instructors — directly contradicts this narrative. An intelligence official told Reuters that the training means China is 'much more closely involved in the war on the European continent than initially assumed.'
What is the broader context of China-Russia military cooperation?
China and Russia declared an 'unlimited' strategic partnership on February 4, 2022, just days before the invasion. Since then, China has become a vital economic lifeline for Moscow, purchasing Russian oil, gas, and coal after Western sanctions cut off European markets. The Russia-China energy trade has helped sustain the Russian war economy.
This is not the first revelation of covert military collaboration. In October 2024, Reuters reported that Russia had established a secret drone development and production program in China. In July 2024, Bloomberg revealed Russian and Chinese companies were co-developing a new kamikaze drone called the 'Sunflower 22.' European officials also reported that Chinese private companies have provided technical development work for a Russian attack drone manufacturer.
While Chinese military personnel have been traveling to Russia for training since at least 2024, the training of Russian troops on Chinese soil is a significant escalation. The agreement explicitly banned any media coverage and prohibited informing third parties.
Impact and implications for the war in Ukraine
European intelligence services confirmed that several Russian servicemen trained in China have since been involved in drone combat operations in occupied Crimea and Zaporizhzhia. Their ranks ranged from junior sergeant to lieutenant-colonel. Many of the trained personnel were high-ranking instructors capable of passing knowledge to lower ranks, amplifying the impact of the training.
The revelation comes at a critical moment. On May 19, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for a summit with President Xi Jinping, just days after China hosted U.S. President Donald Trump. The timing underscores China's delicate balancing act between its partnership with Russia and its economic relationship with the West.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did China really train Russian soldiers for the Ukraine war?
Yes, according to a Reuters investigation based on documents and three European intelligence agencies. About 200 Russian troops were secretly trained at Chinese military facilities in late 2025, with some later deployed to fight in Ukraine.
What kind of training did the Russian soldiers receive?
The training focused on drone operations, electronic warfare, air defense, mortar firing, explosives handling, demining, and combined arms warfare. It included flight simulators and hands-on drone piloting.
When did the secret training agreement take place?
A bilateral Russian-Chinese agreement was signed in Beijing on July 2, 2025. The training sessions occurred between November and December 2025.
Has China responded to these allegations?
China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its stance of neutrality and commitment to peace talks, stating it has been 'objective and impartial' and urging others not to stoke confrontation. The Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
What does this mean for the Ukraine war?
European intelligence officials say this shows China is more directly involved in the war than previously known. The transfer of drone warfare expertise could enhance Russian battlefield capabilities, particularly in drone operations, which have become central to the conflict.
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