War reaches Russian universities: students recruited into drone units

Russian authorities are recruiting soldiers from universities and colleges for the Ukraine war, promising students that service in drone units lasts only one year and is especially suited to gamers. Those unwilling to go to war are offered the opportunity to participate in war propaganda production themselves. Media outlet Meduza describes how resistance and adaptation are playing out in universities.

Russian universities and colleges have become prime targets for military recruiters. Recruiters promise future soldiers that service in drone units lasts only one year, suits young people accustomed to video games perfectly, and counts as academic leave, only "productively." In reality, these promises are false: even Russia's Defence Ministry has admitted that one-year contract service is not guaranteed.

Minors targeted in colleges

Concerning is the fact that recruiters visit colleges where many underage students study. Propaganda aimed at young people emphasizes technical skill and patriotism, while omitting mention of the real dangers of combat situations. Russian media outlet Meduza describes in detail how recruitment campaigns are organized at universities and what promises are made.

Propaganda participation as an alternative

For students unwilling to go to war themselves, Russian authorities offer a different role: participating in the creation of propaganda materials. Students are encouraged to independently produce agitation materials supporting the military operation in Ukraine. This is part of broader state pressure on educational institutions.

Resistance and adaptation

Meduza journalist Elizaveta Antonova has investigated how some teachers and students attempt to resist this pressure, while others have adapted to it or even actively participated. The situation reflects how war has fundamentally transformed Russia's educational landscape, both in terms of values and everyday life.