Drone operators are becoming cannon fodder in Russia — ISW
Russia’s Ministry of Defence has launched a large-scale campaign to recruit contract soldiers into drone units.
Recruits are promised one-year contracts supposedly focused exclusively on drone operations, with no risk to life on the front line.
ISW analysts warn that the reality is far from these promises.
Recruiters are deliberately targeting young people with analytical thinking, IT skills and strong hand–eye coordination. Priority is given to university students and technical specialists with programming experience.
The occupiers assure recruits that infantry units will not be involved in their service and that they will be able to leave after one year.
Since mid-January 2026, recruitment efforts have intensified at universities across Russia, according to the opposition outlet Astra.
Students are being pressured to sign a general Ministry of Defence contract rather than a specialised agreement for “drone forces”. Such contracts allow commanders to throw new recruits into assault operations and keep them beyond the promised term.
Earlier, a significant rise in desertion cases has been reported within the Russian Armed Forces.
It was also noted that temporarily occupied territories are increasingly being used as a manpower reserve for Russia’s army.
