Approximately 200 Russian military personnel underwent secret training at Chinese military facilities in late 2025. After returning, some of them participated in combat operations against Ukraine. This was confirmed by three European intelligence services, whose documents were reviewed by Reuters, as well as unnamed high-ranking EU officials in comments to Suspilne and Ukrainska Pravda.
What and where: bases, drones, mines
The training agreement was signed by senior Russian and Chinese officers in Beijing on July 2, 2025. The bilingual document provided for the training of Russians at facilities in Beijing, Nanjing, Shijiazhuang, Zhangzhou, and Yibin. In return, several hundred Chinese military personnel were to receive training in Russia.
Intelligence reports record at least four separate courses. One was at a branch of the Infantry Academy of the Ground Forces of the PLA in Shijiazhuang: approximately 50 Russians were trained to correct fire from 82mm mortars using drones. Another was air defense in Zhangzhou: electromagnetic rifles for signal jamming and mesh devices against unmanned aerial vehicles. In November 2025 at Nanjing University of Military Engineering, Russians were trained in mine work, mine clearance, and disposal of improvised explosive devices. The reports contain photographs: Russian soldiers in uniform with Chinese instructors nearby.
"Training took place at several training bases in China, received by hundreds of Russian military personnel. China denies it, but the EU has irrefutable evidence."
Unnamed high-ranking EU official — to Ukrainska Pravda
Intelligence analysts emphasize a key point: among those trained were not only rank-and-file soldiers but also instructors and officers capable of transmitting new tactics further up the chain of command. This multiplies the effect of each trained person.
New phenomenon within an old pattern
Visits by Chinese military personnel to Russia for training have been ongoing since at least 2024. But the training of Russian personnel directly in China represents a qualitatively new step. As noted by two intelligence officials, this indicates a deeper involvement of Beijing in the war than was previously known.
In September 2025, Reuters already reported that Chinese specialists from private companies were developing combat drones for a Russian strike unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturer. Both companies came under EU sanctions a month later. Trade between Russia and China approached record $250 billion in annual turnover — with a significant portion tied to dual-use components.
Economist at the Peterson Institute for International Economics Elina Ribakova describes this model as "symbiotic but deeply asymmetrical": for Russia, China has become indispensable, while for Beijing, Moscow is profitable but not critical partner. This means that leverage points on China exist — the question is whether the West is willing to use them.
Beijing's reaction and Brussels' next step
China's Foreign Ministry responded to Reuters with standard rhetoric: Beijing "consistently maintains an objective and impartial position" and "promotes peaceful negotiations." They denied the fact of training.
According to European Pravda, the issue of EU-China relations — including evidence of training — was to be discussed by EU foreign ministers on Monday, June 16. While Brussels deliberates, the Carnegie Endowment notes: active EU punitive measures against China "significantly lag behind critical words."
- Drones and electronic warfare — the main focus of training, directly relevant to current fighting in Ukraine
- Mine work and clearance — a separate course in Nanjing, November 2025
- Multiplier effect — among those trained are instructors who will pass the knowledge along
- Agreement signed July 2, 2025 — specific date, specific signatories, specific bases
If EU foreign ministers on June 16 fail to adopt any response mechanisms — neither new sanctions against Chinese structures nor specific diplomatic consequences — Beijing will receive a signal that the price for direct participation in the war remains zero.
