Russia Pressures University Students To Join Drone Forces With Pay And Coercion

Russia has launched an aggressive campaign to recruit university students into its drone forces.

“ROMA – Dietro un videogioco con orsi e api si nasconde un progetto di reclutamento bellico”

Agenzia Dire

Briefings have been held at at least 269 universities across Russia.

Agenzia Dire

Some institutions effectively forced attendance or separately summoned students with poor grades.

Students facing expulsion become key recruitment targets.

Open-source evidence shows a growing campaign targeting students with one-year drone contracts and heavy social pressure.

Experts warn universities are becoming recruitment channels.

The drone forces are being pitched as relatively safe posts with high pay.

Critics say the message that recruits can return after one year is at odds with reality.

Chosunbiz

Drone operators are often exposed to the battlefield.

The Federation Council passed a bill excluding foreigners with prior service from deportation.

Mezha.net warned the one-year contract may conceal longer-term conditions.

The goal is to double manpower to 165,500 by the end of 2026.

The recruitment campaign extends beyond universities into a broader militarization of youth.

“See how Russia is trying to entice and pressure students to leave university and bolster its flagging military ranks”

CNN

A video game called Berloga serves as a gateway for children as young as 13.

The most talented are funneled into collaborations with defense giants.

Adolescents are engaged in building drones and training soldiers.

Recruitment videos have appeared on official pages of educational institutions.

The militarization of youth comes as the Kremlin tightens control over the web.