Russia Trained by China Returns to Fight in Ukraine
· news
Russians Covertly Trained by China Return to Fight in Ukraine, Sources Say
The latest revelations about Chinese-trained Russian troops fighting in Ukraine should send a shiver down the spines of those who have been trying to downplay Beijing’s involvement in the conflict. For months, Western powers have warned about the deepening ties between Russia and China, but the extent to which China is secretly backing Moscow on the battlefield has only now come to light.
A dual-language agreement signed by senior Russian and Chinese officers in July 2025 outlined the training of around 200 Russian troops at military facilities in China. The focus was on drone warfare, electronic warfare, army aviation, and armored infantry – areas where Russia’s capabilities have been faltering. Sources confirm that these trained personnel are now directly involved in combat operations with drones in Ukraine’s occupied Crimea and Zaporizhzhia regions.
This development raises serious questions about the neutrality claims made by China throughout this conflict. Beijing has consistently maintained an objective stance, it says, while promoting peace talks – but these actions tell a different story. By training Russian military personnel at an operational and tactical level, China is effectively backing Russia’s war efforts, much more directly than previously known.
The historical context of the China-Russia partnership is crucial to understanding this development. The two nations announced their “no limits” strategic partnership in 2022, right before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since then, they have collaborated on joint military exercises and provided each other with vital support – not least in the case of oil, gas, and coal imports from China to Russia.
The implications are far-reaching. If this pattern continues, it will not only further destabilize Europe but also undermine international efforts to contain Russian aggression. Moreover, the involvement of Chinese troops in training exercises in Russia raises concerns about the potential for direct military cooperation between the two nations.
Drones have become a crucial component of modern warfare, and both sides are increasingly reliant on these high-tech systems. The fact that China’s People’s Liberation Army has expanded rapidly over the past 20 years and now rivals U.S. military might in some areas adds to the complexity – and danger.
Western powers must reassess their stance on China’s involvement in Ukraine. What steps will they take to counter these developments? How will they hold Beijing accountable for its support of Russian aggression? And what does this mean for future international relations?
As tensions escalate and regional instability grows, one thing is clear: China’s involvement in Ukraine is no longer just an open secret but an ominous reality that demands attention from all parties involved. The world waits anxiously to see how Western powers will respond to this development, particularly with Chinese leader Xi Jinping set to host Vladimir Putin next week.
Reader Views
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
This disturbing development highlights China's willingness to test the limits of its "peaceful rise" narrative. While Beijing's military assistance to Moscow has been evident for some time, the revelation that Chinese-trained Russian troops are now engaged in combat operations on the ground takes the partnership to a new level. A key question remains: what specific strategic objectives does China hope to achieve through this proxy war? Is it merely seeking to disrupt Western interests or does Beijing have more expansive plans to redraw the global balance of power?
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
The revelation that Chinese-trained Russian troops are now waging war in Ukraine should prompt Western leaders to reassess their strategy and consider bolstering military aid to Kiev. What's striking is how China's involvement in this conflict has been deliberately masked through its emphasis on diplomatic efforts and economic cooperation with Russia. However, the reality is that Beijing's support for Moscow extends far beyond mere politics – it's a deepening entanglement that risks destabilizing regional security and international relations. It's time to acknowledge China's role as an active participant in this conflict rather than a neutral peacekeeper.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The latest revelations about China's covert training of Russian troops raise more questions than answers about Beijing's true intentions in Ukraine. While Western powers have long suspected a deepening partnership between Russia and China, the extent to which China is actively supporting Moscow's war efforts is now clear. What's less clear is how this development will impact global arms sales and security alliances, particularly for countries like India and Pakistan that rely on Chinese military hardware.