Xi Jinping trained Russian troops for drone warfare in Ukraine

The Xi Jinping regime secretly trained about 200 Russian soldiers on Chinese territory before several of them were sent to fight in Ukraine, according to European intelligence agencies and documents obtained by Reuters.

The information reveals a level of Chinese military involvement much deeper than what Beijing had publicly admitted since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The training included drones and electronic warfare

According to the documentation reviewed by Reuters, the agreement was signed on July 2, 2025, by high-ranking Chinese and Russian military officials in Beijing.

The program included training for Russian soldiers in:

• use of FPV drones

• electronic warfare

• military aviation

• armored infantry combat

• mine clearance operations

• combined arms

The training took place at military facilities in Beijing, Nanjing, Zhengzhou, Shijiazhuang, and Yibin.

Some soldiers were sent directly to the front in Ukraine

According to European intelligence agencies, several of the trained soldiers later participated in real combat operations in:

• Crimea

• Zaporizhzhia

The European services even identified Russian officers with ranks ranging from sergeant to lieutenant colonel who underwent Chinese training programs before returning to the Ukrainian front.

One intelligence official stated that China is now “much more directly involved” in the European war than was previously known.

The agreement prohibited leaks and media coverage

The documents cited by Reuters stipulated that:

• there could be no media coverage

• third countries should not be informed

• the activities must remain confidential

Additionally, the agreement also included that hundreds of Chinese soldiers would travel to Russia for joint training.

China insists on presenting itself as “neutral”

Despite the revelation, the Chinese regime publicly reiterated that it maintains a “neutral” position on the war in Ukraine.

“China has consistently maintained an objective and impartial stance and has worked to promote peace talks,” stated the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

However, the revelation puts Beijing under pressure again, especially in Europe, where concerns are growing about the “unlimited” strategic alliance between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.

Drones, simulators, and advanced military technology

The Russian military reports reviewed by Reuters show the level of sophistication of the Chinese training.

Among the exercises conducted were:

• use of flight simulators for drones

• combat with armed FPV drones

• target identification using UAVs

• use of electronic warfare rifles

• net-launching systems against enemy drones

The documents also describe training on:

• explosives

• mine laying

• mine clearance

• neutralization of improvised explosive devices

There are even photographs of Russian soldiers being instructed by uniformed Chinese officers.

China consolidates as a strategic support for Russia

The relationship between Moscow and Beijing deepened since the start of the war.

While the West sought to economically isolate Russia, China:

• increased purchases of Russian oil and gas

• expanded military cooperation

• conducted joint exercises

• strengthened technological and logistical ties

Now, the revelation about the secret training of Russian troops threatens to further escalate tensions between China and Europe.

Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing this week, just days after Donald Trump's trip to China, once again showcased the strategic rapprochement between the two authoritarian powers amid the war in Ukraine and the growing global confrontation with the West.