By Elsie Kamsiyochi
New intelligence reports have raised serious concerns in Europe after allegations emerged that Russian military personnel were secretly trained by China before returning to the battlefield in Ukraine.
According to multiple European intelligence agencies and documents reviewed by Reuters, around 200 Russian soldiers reportedly underwent covert military training inside China late last year, with some later rejoining combat operations in occupied areas of Ukraine.
The revelations could significantly deepen concerns among Western governments about China’s level of involvement in the conflict. While Beijing has repeatedly insisted that it remains neutral in the Russia-Ukraine war and continues to present itself as a potential peace mediator, intelligence officials now suggest China’s support may extend far beyond diplomacy and economic cooperation.
According to the reports, the training program was conducted under a confidential military agreement signed in Beijing on July 2, 2025, by senior Chinese and Russian military officers. The arrangement reportedly enabled Russian troops to travel to military facilities in cities including Beijing and Nanjing, where they received specialized instruction in modern warfare tactics. The focus of the training reportedly centered heavily on drone operations, electronic warfare, armored infantry tactics, and aviation support—skills considered essential in today’s battlefield conditions in Ukraine.
European intelligence officials stated that many of the Russian personnel involved were not ordinary soldiers but military instructors and officers capable of transferring newly learned tactics and technical knowledge to larger units once they returned home. Some of those trained reportedly held ranks ranging from junior sergeant to lieutenant colonel, increasing fears that battlefield lessons gained in China could rapidly spread throughout Russia’s military structure.
The most sensitive element of the allegations involves drone warfare. Drones have transformed the nature of combat in Ukraine, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces relying heavily on unmanned aircraft for reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, and direct attacks. Intelligence sources claim China’s extensive drone industry and advanced training capabilities made it an attractive partner for Moscow, especially as Russia continues adapting its military tactics after years of war.
Reports reviewed by Reuters suggest Russian soldiers were taught to operate first-person-view (FPV) drones, use flight simulators, and coordinate drone-supported battlefield operations. In one training session reportedly held in December 2025 at a Chinese military aviation center in Yibin, Russian personnel received instruction through multimedia systems and simulator technology designed to replicate real combat environments.
Another reported training course involved anti-drone defense systems. Russian troops allegedly learned how to disrupt enemy drones using electronic warfare rifles and specialized interception tools, including net-launching systems designed to capture incoming unmanned aircraft. These methods are particularly relevant in Ukraine, where drone attacks have become one of the deadliest features of frontline combat.
Documents also reportedly detailed joint battlefield exercises involving mortar fire directed with the assistance of drones, highlighting how technology is reshaping military strategy. One military report described Russian troops practicing the use of 82mm mortars while using unmanned aerial vehicles to identify and coordinate strikes on targets.
Additional training allegedly included explosives handling, mine detection, demining techniques, and the disposal of unexploded ordnance. One internal report reportedly included photographs showing Russian soldiers in uniform receiving instruction from Chinese military personnel, as well as demonstrations involving engineering equipment and mine-clearing procedures.
The secrecy surrounding the training has added to international concern. According to the agreement, media coverage of the military visits was reportedly prohibited, and both sides were instructed not to disclose the cooperation to outside parties. Intelligence agencies noted that while Chinese troops had previously trained in Russia since at least 2024, training Russian personnel inside China represents a major new development.
China has denied any suggestion of direct involvement in the war. In response to Reuters, China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated that Beijing maintains an “objective and impartial stance” regarding the Ukraine conflict and continues to support peace negotiations. Officials also warned against what they described as attempts to “stoke confrontation” or unfairly assign blame.
Meanwhile, growing military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing continues to attract scrutiny from Western powers. Since announcing their “no limits” strategic partnership shortly before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the two countries have expanded military exercises and strengthened economic ties. China has become one of Russia’s most important economic partners, purchasing large volumes of Russian oil, gas, and coal while Moscow faced increasing Western sanctions.
The timing of the revelations is especially significant as Chinese President prepares to host Russian President in Beijing for another high-profile meeting. The visit is expected to reinforce what both countries describe as an “all-weather” partnership, even as Western nations continue urging China to use its influence to pressure Russia toward ending the war.
If confirmed, the alleged covert training program could reshape international perceptions of China’s role in the conflict, potentially fueling further diplomatic tensions between Beijing and European governments already concerned about security risks stemming from the war in Ukraine.
Source Reuters