China Rejects EU’s Claim of Training Russian Troops

On Tuesday, China denied the European Union’s allegation that its military trained Russian personnel who later participated in the conflict in Ukraine. Despite presenting itself as neutral in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, China has echoed Russia’s narrative, attributing the conflict to NATO expansion. Additionally, China has strengthened economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow, becoming a key purchaser of Russian oil and gas, bypassing U.S.-led sanctions.

The United States and the European Union, along with other allies of Ukraine, have accused China of supporting Russia’s war efforts through trade and dual-use goods exports. On Monday, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s representative for foreign affairs and security policy, alleged that the Chinese military provided more direct support to Russia.

“We have also now verified reports that the Chinese military has been training Russian military personnel to fight in Ukraine,” Kallas stated after a meeting of the EU’s 27 foreign ministers in Luxembourg. She described China as a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s invasion, a term Western officials often associate with China’s support for Moscow.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry promptly dismissed the claim. “The remarks have no factual basis and are purely slander and smears,” said ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a briefing in Beijing.

Meanwhile, the European Council imposed sanctions on 21 entities and seven individuals for their support of Russia’s military-industrial activities. Notable targets include Shenzhen Minghuaxin, a Chinese electronics company allegedly supplying drone components to Russia, and Xinxiang Richful Lubricant Additive Company, involved in producing critical industrial products.

The sanctions followed a renewed Russian offensive against Ukraine, with Russia launching 70 missiles and 611 drones overnight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported at least 11 casualties, and significant damage to cultural sites, sparking international condemnation.

In response, Ukraine executed a drone strike on the Moscow Oil Refinery, which reportedly supplies a significant portion of Moscow’s petroleum needs.