China Secretly Trained 200 Russian Soldiers for Ukraine War

European intelligence agencies and leaked documents indicate that the Government of China secretly trained approximately 200 Russian military personnel during late 2025. The cooperation, formalized in a July 2, 2025 agreement, focused on drones, electronic warfare, army aviation, and armored infantry. Training occurred at facilities in Beijing, Nanjing, Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou, and Yibin, utilizing flight simulators to enhance tactical capabilities. Some of these personnel, including ranking instructors, were later identified in combat operations within Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Crimea regions.

The allegations surfaced during Vladimir Putin's 25th visit to China to meet with President Xi Jinping. The reported agreement also included reciprocal training for hundreds of Chinese troops within Russia.

The Kremlin dismissed the reports, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterizing the claims as false information distributed by Western newspapers. China continues to maintain that it holds a neutral and impartial stance in the Ukraine conflict, positioning itself as a mediator for peace talks.