Russia accused of systematic military recruitment campaign targeting university students

Kathmandu. Allegations have surfaced that Russia is conducting a systematic campaign to recruit university students into military service, particularly for drone units, amidst the ongoing war with Ukraine. 

According to a detailed report published by CNN, efforts are being made to recruit students using both incentives and pressure. In private messages sent to CNN, students shared experiences such as, "the most qualified students are being urged to go to war," "posters about drone forces are plastered throughout the university," and "the pressure is immense."

It is reported that Russia is currently expanding a new drone warfare unit called the Unmanned Systems Forces under the Ministry of Defense. The report notes that recruitment campaigns are being conducted in universities through attractive promotional videos, posters, and military speeches. Several universities have reportedly offered students one-year service contracts, promises of lower risk on the front lines, and high salaries and financial benefits. However, experts warn that these promises may be "misleading."

Some Russian legal experts have warned that this process could effectively become an indefinite military contract. According to them, once a contract is signed, it is not easy to terminate the service. The report also states that some universities are pressuring students by suggesting that "military recruitment is the only option" if they fail or cannot complete their credits. It is claimed that some students have even been hinted that "if you fail in your studies, you must serve."

Human rights activists have criticized this as a "form of forced recruitment." According to them, Russia previously fulfilled its recruitment needs by using prisoners and other groups, but now it appears to be targeting students.

The report also mentions that, according to Western analysts, Russia is struggling to compensate for military losses due to the prolonged war, which may lead to an increase in such new recruitment strategies. However, many students speaking to CNN stated that despite the pressure, they are not interested in joining the military, labeling the campaign as "propaganda" and "false promises."