Руски Дронове – Ученици (Ruski Drone – Uchenitsi)

This report details a growing Russian campaign to recruit students into its drone forces, utilizing slick marketing and incentives to entice young people. CNN’s investigation, based on direct messages from Russian students and analysis of university materials, reveals a coordinated effort involving universities across Russia and Ukraine, including prestigious institutions like St. Petersburg State University. The campaign employs deceptive tactics, promising reduced risk of combat, valuable skills, and significant financial bonuses – often significantly higher than stated – while simultaneously creating pressure through threats of expulsion for students with academic debts. Universities are reportedly shortening deadlines and targeting vulnerable students with manipulative offers. Despite Kremlin claims, experts believe this campaign is a sign of escalating recruitment tactics, potentially fueled by battlefield losses and a desire to circumvent previous mobilization efforts. The strategy relies on contracts that are likely standard military agreements, and the students’ skepticism regarding the promised benefits. The campaign’s use of universities as recruitment centers represents a significant shift, raising concerns about coercion and the potential for increased political opposition among young people.