Story perspectives

China Trains 200 Russian Troops, Some Deploy to Ukraine

5/21/2026

Summary

China Trains Russians

China secretly trained about 200 Russian troops in 2025, some of whom later returned to Ukraine.
Senior officers signed a dual-language agreement in Beijing on July 2 2025.
Training occurred at bases in Beijing, Nanjing, Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou and Yibin, covering drones, electronic warfare, armored infantry and counter-drone tactics.
Some trainees later fought in drone missions in Crimea and Zaporizhzhia, while intelligence agencies warned many were instructors who could spread the skills.

Summary

China Backs Russia

Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned EU officials in July 2025 that Beijing cannot accept a Russian defeat in Ukraine.
The Institute for the Study of War reported in September 2025 that Chinese firms supplied parts for Russia’s long-range drones, Bloomberg repeated in April 2026.
During President Vladimir Putin’s May 2026 visit, Chinese officials highlighted bilateral energy projects.
Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated Beijing’s “objective and impartial” stance, urging all sides not to deliberately stoke confrontation.

Summary

Russia Drills

July 2 2025 agreement between senior Russian and Chinese military officers barred media coverage of their exchanges.
European intelligence said the pact also forced participants to keep training locations and curricula secret.
Russia launched a three-day nuclear-forces exercise on May 19, 2026, mobilising about 64,000 troops and 7,800 units.
The drill started hours before President Vladimir Putin left for a two-day China visit, signalling reinforced joint deterrence.

History

Historical Context

In August 2005 China and Russia held the SCO’s first “Peace Mission” drill, deploying about 8,200 Chinese and 1,800 Russian troops on the Shandong Peninsula. The exercise framed joint counter-terrorism training as a signal of deepening partnership. The 2025 Beijing pact, letting Chinese instructors train 200 Russian drone crews for Ukraine, extends that legacy amid rising Western sanctions.

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China Trains Russians

China secretly trained about 200 Russian troops in 2025, some of whom later returned to Ukraine.
Senior officers signed a dual-language agreement in Beijing on July 2 2025.
Training occurred at bases in Beijing, Nanjing, Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou and Yibin, covering drones, electronic warfare, armored infantry and counter-drone tactics.
Some trainees later fought in drone missions in Crimea and Zaporizhzhia, while intelligence agencies warned many were instructors who could spread the skills.

1 / 4