Russian troops secretly trained by China return to fight against Ukraine: Report

20-May-2026

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In late 2025, China secretly trained about 200 Russian military personnel, mainly in drone warfare, electronic warfare, and infantry tactics, at Chinese facilities. Some trainees later fought in Ukraine, signaling deeper Chinese involvement in the conflict despite Beijing's claims of neutrality. 

This covert cooperation, revealed by European intelligence and a Russian-Chinese agreement, contrasts with China's public role as a peace mediator. Russia and China’s strategic partnership, including military exercises and mutual training, alarms Western powers amid the ongoing Ukraine war.