Across Russia, students are being lured with massive financial incentives to join military drone units deployed in Ukraine, taking roles as operators and engineers. Documents reveal that companies in the central Ryazan region have also been assigned quotas to enlist workers into the army, as Moscow looks for new ways to bolster its forces in the fifth year of the conflict.
The recruitment drive is not part of a full-scale national mobilisation, which Kremlin officials have insisted is not planned. Top authorities maintain that Russia does not face a shortage of soldiers, dismissing Ukrainian claims that its forces are depleting Russian ranks faster than replacements arrive.
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, told state media that Russia’s volunteer system, offering generous pay packages, remains successful, with over 400,000 people recruited last year and 80,000 so far in 2026. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that students are being encouraged to join the newly established drone division, set up under President Vladimir Putin at the end of last year.
“This is an open offer to everyone – students, workers, and the unemployed – to join a new type of unit,” Peskov said.
Targeting Skilled Drone Operators
Russia’s focus on students – sometimes criticised for applying pressure – shows its desire to inject skilled personnel into its drone units, which have become critical in the ongoing war of attrition. Drone operators are high-value targets, often working away from the frontlines but facing serious risk if detected.
The Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok is offering students a one-year academic leave (renewable), full coverage of tuition fees upon return, free accommodation, and military equipment. The financial package includes a starting salary of 5.5 million roubles ($68,400), a 2.5 million rouble bonus after training, a monthly allowance of 240,000 roubles, and an additional 200,000 rouble university grant.
“This is not only an opportunity to prove yourself but also a unique platform for social and career advancement, backed by unprecedented support measures,” the university said in a March 19 document.
Other universities are offering similar deals. Moscow State University of Civil Engineering and the Russian State Hydrometeorological University in St. Petersburg are encouraging students to become drone operators, engineers, or technical specialists, with annual pay reportedly reaching up to 7 million roubles ($87,000).
While unconfirmed reports suggest some students face pressure – especially those struggling academically or financially – the Russian Defence Ministry and universities insist participation is voluntary.
*Corporate Quotas for Army Recruitment*
In parallel, Ryazan region Governor, Pavel Malkov has mandated that companies meet recruitment quotas for army contracts. Companies with up to 300 employees must enlist two recruits; up to 500 employees, three recruits; and more than 500 employees, five recruits. The decree does not specify penalties for non-compliance.
The recruitment push is accompanied by a high-tech billboard campaign showcasing young drone operators under the slogan “The New Indispensables.” Analysts say this signals Moscow’s intent to integrate highly skilled personnel into advanced warfare roles as the conflict intensifies.
