Students across Russia are being offered large financial incentives to join drone units fighting in Ukraine as operators and engineers, while companies in Russia's central Ryazan region have been given quotas to sign up workers for the army, documents show.

Moscow

Russia has launched a recruitment campaign targeting students, particularly those studying technical subjects, to join its drone units engaged in the conflict in Ukraine. The campaign features prominent billboards and offers significant financial incentives, such as fee exemptions, free accommodation, and direct payments, to attract skilled individuals.

Officials stated that this effort is not a general mobilisation, with over 400,000 people having signed up last year and more than 80,000 so far this year. While some media reports suggest universities have been assigned recruitment quotas, Reuters has not independently confirmed these claims.

Russia woos students for drone forces with lavish financial packages

Flashy billboards in Moscow are labelling young drone pilots as the new indispensables. The recruitment campaign is hoping to woo students across Russia to join drone units fighting in Ukraine. It comes as Russian forces continue to grind forwards on the battlefield and as US-brokered peace talks are on ice due to the Iran war. Large financial incentives are being offered in particular to those studying technical subjects like engineering or aeronautics. It suggests Moscow is diversifying its push to replenish its army ranks. But it is not part of a general mobilisation drive, something the Kremlin said this week was not on the agenda. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, told state media on Friday more than 400,000 people had signed up last year and over 80,000 so far this year. Drone operators are considered high-value targets. Promising students suggest Moscow is keen to pour more skilled human resources into its drone forces. For both sides, these are playing an increasingly pivotal role in what has long become a grinding war of attrition. Many Russian universities are promising students significant financial incentives if they enlist. Some packages offer exemptions from fees, free accommodation and direct payments. Per unconfirmed media reports, universities have been given recruitment quotas to meet. Reuters was unable to independently confirm that.

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Breakdown