Approximately 200 Russian soldiers have been secretly trained in China. Some of them have returned to fight in Ukraine.

Three European intelligence agencies have concluded that the Chinese armed forces secretly trained approximately 200 Russian soldiers on Chinese territory at the end of last year, and some of them have returned to Ukraine to fight in the war.

Although China claims to be neutral in the Ukraine conflict, training sessions focused on drone usage have been detailed in an agreement signed by senior officials from both countries. The agreement provides for the training of Russian soldiers in facilities in Beijing and Nanjing, and sources suggest that China is more involved in the conflict than previously thought. Additionally, China and Russia announced a 'no-limits' strategic partnership, and Beijing has offered Moscow economic support despite Western sanctions.

The training of Russian soldiers in China is a first, and internal reports from the Russian army confirm training sessions in various areas relevant to the war in Ukraine, including the use of drones and electronic warfare techniques.