Moscow: Russia secretly approved a military training programme in China for its soldiers who later returned to fight in Ukraine, according to an investigation that cites classified Russian documents and senior European intelligence officials. The findings offer one of the clearest indications so far of deeper military cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, even as China continues to insist that it is not directly involved in the war in Ukraine.
According to the investigation, the secret programme was personally authorised by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov through a classified order signed in August 2025. The training involved around 200 Russian military personnel who travelled to China to receive specialised instruction at facilities run by the People's Liberation Army. The programme was reportedly supervised by senior military officers from both countries and was kept out of the public eye.
The investigation states that the Russian troops received advanced military training in several areas, including radiological, biological and chemical defence. Earlier reports had also revealed that the soldiers were trained in drone operations, electronic warfare, army aviation and armoured infantry tactics. Some of the personnel who completed the training later returned to the battlefield in Ukraine, including areas such as Crimea and the Zaporizhzhia region.
The newly obtained classified documents reportedly show that the programme had direct approval from Russia's highest military leadership, suggesting that it was considered an important part of the country's defence cooperation with China. European intelligence officials quoted in the investigation believe the arrangement reflects a level of military partnership that goes well beyond the joint exercises and defence exchanges publicly acknowledged by the two countries.
Russia and China have expanded their strategic relationship in recent years through regular naval drills, joint air patrols and military exercises. Both governments have described their partnership as having no limits, although China has repeatedly stated that it remains neutral in the Ukraine conflict and has called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
The latest findings are likely to raise fresh questions among Western governments about China's actual role in supporting Russia during the war. European officials reportedly view the training programme as evidence that Beijing's military ties with Moscow are deeper than publicly acknowledged, particularly because the trainees later took part in combat operations in Ukraine.
China has consistently denied providing military assistance to Russia. After earlier reports claimed that Russian troops had secretly trained in China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry rejected the allegations and said Beijing maintains an objective and impartial position on the Ukraine conflict. Chinese officials also said claims suggesting the country was supporting one side in the war were intended to create unnecessary confrontation.
The Kremlin has also rejected previous reports on the issue. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the earlier claims as false and accused Western media of publishing inaccurate reports about relations between Russia and China. As of Wednesday, neither Moscow nor Beijing had issued a detailed public response to the latest investigation.
The report comes at a time when Western nations are paying closer attention to China's relationship with Russia. The European Union has already imposed sanctions on several Chinese companies accused of supplying dual use technologies that could support Russia's military industry. Although Beijing denies providing weapons directly to Moscow, Western governments continue to monitor trade and defence links between the two countries.
Military and security experts say the investigation could increase pressure on China as the United States and its allies continue to examine the extent of Beijing's cooperation with Russia. While the evidence presented is based on classified documents and intelligence sources, neither Russia nor China has officially confirmed the existence of the secret training programme.
The investigation adds another layer to growing international concerns over the strengthening defence partnership between Moscow and Beijing. If confirmed, it would represent one of the most significant examples yet of behind the scenes military cooperation between the two powers during the ongoing war in Ukraine.