Russia recruits students to drone forces to plug growing battlefield losses
Russia is recruiting university and vocational students into a new unmanned systems drone unit, offering a one-year contract with training and perks (and potential postgrad benefits) to boost its war effort as casualties mount. Recruits are pushed toward high-tech drone roles seen as safer than infantry, but several recent student recruits, including 23-year-old Valery Averin, have died, exposing the fragility of these promises. Analysts note the official death tolls are likely far lower than the real figures, underscoring the ongoing human cost of the conflict.
