China secretly trained Russian troops, Reuters reports
Photo: Russian military (Getty Images)
China secretly trained around 200 Russian servicemen on its territory at the end of last year. Some of them later returned to fight in Ukraine after completing the training, Reuters reports.
Data from three European intelligence services indicate that the covert training was part of a Russian–Chinese agreement signed by senior officers from both countries in Beijing on July 2, 2025.
The document provided for the training of about 200 Russians at military facilities in Beijing and Nanjing. In return, hundreds of Chinese military personnel were to undergo training in Russia.
The agreement strictly prohibited any media coverage of these visits in either country, as well as the transfer of information to third parties.
Training of Russian military personnel
Russian servicemen were trained in the following areas:
- unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- electronic warfare (EW)
- army aviation
- armored infantry
According to intelligence data, China’s drone industry provided Russian trainees with technological innovations and advanced training methods, including flight simulators.
A significant portion of the Russian personnel consisted of senior instructors capable of passing acquired knowledge down the chain of command.
China’s direct involvement in the war
Intelligence officials note that visits of Chinese military personnel to Russia have been ongoing at least since 2024, but training Russian troops in China is new.
By training Russian forces at the operational and tactical levels for participation in the war against Ukraine, Beijing has become more involved in the war than previously believed.
One intelligence agency confirmed the identities of several Russians, ranging in rank from junior sergeant to lieutenant colonel, who, after training in China, participated in combat operations with drones in temporarily occupied Crimea and the Zaporizhzhia region.
It is noted that China and Russia declared a "no limits" strategic partnership shortly before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, pledging to conduct joint military exercises.
At the same time, Beijing officially continues to claim neutrality in the war and positions itself as a mediator in peace efforts.
Putin’s visit to China
Putin plans to visit China on May 20. In Moscow, the visit is described as part of routine contacts between Russia and China. Putin will stay in Beijing for only one day.
RBC-Ukraine also reported that during the visit, the two sides plan to discuss cooperation and international issues of mutual interest to Moscow and Beijing.
