China on Tuesday rejected a claim by the European Union's top diplomat that the Chinese military had trained Russian personnel who later fought in Ukraine.

China has portrayed itself as neutral in Russia's more than four-year war against Ukraine. But it has echoed the Kremlin narrative blaming the conflict on NATO expansion while deepening diplomatic and economic ties with Moscow, including becoming a major buyer of Russian oil and gas in defiance of a U.S.-led sanctions regime.

The United States, European Union (EU) and other allies of Kyiv have long accused Beijing of helping sustain Russia's war effort through trade and exports of dual-use goods.

Kaja Kallas, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, had strong words for Beijing Monday, claiming a more direct form of support.

'Decisive Enabler'

"We have also now verified reports that the Chinese military has been training Russian military personnel to fight in Ukraine," Kallas said after chairing a meeting of the bloc's 27 foreign ministers in Luxembourg. "We are carefully assessing the implications."

Kallas did not provide further details about the alleged training. However, she also described Beijing as a "decisive enabler" of Russia's invasion, a term frequently used by Western officials with regard to China's support for Moscow.

China's Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected the allegation.

"The remarks have no factual basis and are purely slander and smears," ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.

Newsweek reached out to the Russian Foreign Ministry and the European External Action Service by email with requests for comment.

Fresh Round of Sanctions

Also on Monday, the European Council announced sanctions on 21 entities and seven individuals it said were supporting "Russia's military-industrial complex and its enablers in third countries."

Among those targeted were Chinese electronics manufacturer Shenzhen Minghuaxin, which the EU said supplied drone-related components and technology to Russia, and Xinxiang Richful Lubricant Additive Company, a major Chinese producer of lubricant additives used in industrial and heavy machinery applications. Such products are critical to maintaining and manufacturing military vehicles, weapons systems and industrial equipment.

The sanctions announcement came after another wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities said Russia launched 70 missiles and 611 drones overnight Monday, among the largest aerial attacks of the war.

At least 11 people were killed across the country, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A famous cathedral and monastery were hit during the strikes, prompting an international outcry.

Ukraine retaliated on Tuesday with a drone strike on the Moscow Oil Refinery, which Kyiv says supplies about 40 percent of Moscow's petroleum demand.