The Kremlin has rejected reports that the Chinese military secretly trained Russian soldiers who later fought in Ukraine, dismissing the claims as “false” amid growing scrutiny of military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded on Thursday to a Reuters investigation that alleged around 200 Russian military personnel underwent covert training in China during late 2025 before returning to combat roles in Ukraine. According to the report, the training focused heavily on drone warfare, electronic warfare and tactical combat operations.
Peskov accused Western media outlets of spreading misinformation and said Russia should treat such reports cautiously. The Kremlin’s denial comes as relations between Russia and China continue to deepen politically, economically and militarily during the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Reuters Report Raises Questions Over China’s Role
The Reuters investigation, citing three European intelligence agencies and internal military documents, claimed that a bilateral military agreement signed in July 2025 allowed Russian troops to train at Chinese military facilities in Beijing, Nanjing, and other locations. The same arrangement reportedly included provisions for Chinese troops to receive training in Russia.
According to the documents reviewed by Reuters, the Russian personnel received instruction in:
- Drone combat operations
- Electronic warfare systems
- Counter-drone tactics
- Army aviation
- Mortar targeting using UAVs
- Demining and explosives handling
Some intelligence officials reportedly identified Russian servicemen who later participated in drone combat operations in occupied Crimea and the Zaporizhzhia region after completing training in China. Reuters noted it could not independently verify every battlefield deployment linked to the trainees.
The report also suggested that many of the trainees were instructors or senior personnel capable of transferring combat knowledge throughout Russia’s armed forces, potentially multiplying the impact of the program.
China Denies Direct Military Involvement
Beijing has also denied the allegations, reiterating its official position that it remains neutral in the Ukraine conflict and supports peace negotiations. Chinese officials warned against “inflaming confrontation” or shifting blame onto third parties.
China has repeatedly portrayed itself as a potential mediator in the war while maintaining close diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Western governments have accused Beijing of indirectly supporting Russia through trade, dual-use technologies, and industrial cooperation, though China has consistently rejected accusations of direct military assistance.
The allegations of covert training could intensify concerns among European and NATO officials who have increasingly warned about expanding strategic coordination between Moscow and Beijing. Intelligence sources cited by Reuters reportedly viewed the alleged program as evidence that China may be more deeply involved in Russia’s war effort than previously understood.
Growing Russia-China Strategic Partnership
The controversy comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping continue to strengthen what both governments have described as a “no limits” partnership.
The two nations have expanded joint military exercises, economic cooperation, and diplomatic coordination in recent years. Analysts say the Ukraine war has accelerated Russia’s dependence on China, particularly as Western sanctions isolate Moscow from many global markets.
Although Beijing has publicly called for peace talks and diplomatic solutions, Ukraine and several Western governments have accused China of providing technological and industrial support that indirectly aids Russia’s military production. Ukrainian officials have also previously alleged that Chinese nationals were found fighting alongside Russian forces, claims that added to tensions between Kyiv and Beijing.
International Reaction Likely to Intensify
The Kremlin’s dismissal of the report is unlikely to end international debate over the depth of military cooperation between Russia and China. Western intelligence agencies are expected to continue monitoring ties between the two powers, especially in areas such as drone warfare, military technology transfers and tactical training exchanges.
The allegations also arrive at a sensitive geopolitical moment as the war in Ukraine continues with heavy drone attacks, expanding sanctions and renewed diplomatic maneuvering involving both Moscow and Beijing.
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