New reporting from Reuters, cited by KyivPost, reveals that China trained approximately 200 Russian military personnel in drone operations between mid-2025 and early 2026. The training took place at facilities in Beijing and Nanjing under a 'dual language' military agreement signed on July 2, 2025, by Russian and Chinese defense officials. According to unnamed European intelligence sources, some of the trained troops have since been deployed to active operations in Ukraine. This marks a significant escalation beyond China’s acknowledged role as a supplier of drone components to Russia.

China has consistently claimed neutrality in the Ukraine war, reiterating its support for peace talks and dialogue. Its foreign ministry dismissed the report, stating its position remains 'objective and impartial' and accusing others of stoking confrontation. However, multiple reports since 2025 have pointed to deeper ties: Ukrainian President Zelensky alleged Chinese involvement in weapons production on Russian soil, and the Institute for the Study of War documented ongoing Chinese corporate support for Russian long-range drone programs.

The revelation coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing, where he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping discussed bilateral cooperation amid a shifting global balance. While China denies direct involvement, evidence of hands-on military training suggests its support for Russia may extend further than diplomatic statements indicate. The extent and future of this cooperation could influence both the battlefield dynamics in Ukraine and broader international alignments.