EU and Western intelligence assess that Russia trained hundreds of its personnel on Chinese soil for combat in Ukraine, with several locations in China cited and drone-focused units implicated.

Some of the trained soldiers reportedly saw front-line service or active combat, and the program is linked to elite Russian drone units.

Citing European intelligence, Reuters reports that by end-2025 roughly 200 Russian personnel were secretly trained in China under a July 2025 agreement, covering drone management, electronic warfare, army aviation, and armored units.

In response, Germany’s chancellor signals tougher EU trade measures against China as part of broader scrutiny of Beijing’s economic and security role.

The Kremlin spokesman dismisses the reports and urges caution in drawing conclusions.

The development is viewed as part of a broader shift as Russia leans on China amid Western sanctions, potentially increasing Beijing’s leverage over Moscow.

EU foreign ministers are set to discuss China relations and security implications in Luxembourg, with a focus on defense industry dependencies on Chinese supply chains.

The June 12 EU briefing highlights strategic concerns over Europe’s defense dependencies on China and possible steps to reduce reliance.

The overall story frames the issue within ongoing EU debates about defense procurement, trade policy, and strategic autonomy vis-à-vis China.

Beijing denies the claims, while the EU notes the information comes from European services and points to inconsistencies with China’s statements.

Analysts say China’s support for Russia could affect the war’s trajectory and regional power dynamics, though skepticism remains about China pressuring Moscow to end the conflict.

U.S. efforts to leverage China to influence Moscow are part of broader geopolitical dynamics, with mixed views among Ukrainian policymakers on China’s role.