Media Investigation: Student recruitment for Russia’s war spans 24 regions

At least 70 educational institutions across 24 Russian regions are involved in recruiting students to participate in the war against Ukraine, according to a report published by Military.

The publication states that 57 universities, along with 13 colleges and technical schools, are currently taking part in efforts aimed at encouraging students to sign contracts with Russia’s Ministry of Defence. The activities span 24 regions of the country. However, the outlet notes that the real number of institutions engaged in recruitment is likely considerably higher.

The report highlights that specific universities, including Plekhanov Russian University of Economics and Far Eastern Federal University, have introduced quotas for training students for service in the Russian army, formalising the process within their academic structures.

According to the publication, the recruitment campaign relies on what it describes as a “carrot and stick” approach. Students are promised substantial financial compensation for signing military contracts. In certain cases, they are also offered additional payments financed directly by their universities.

Contract advertisements reportedly frame the positions as service in the “unmanned systems forces,” presenting them as opportunities within a high-tech and fast-growing sector. The promotional materials emphasise that such service would provide modern, востребованные (in-demand) skills and position the role as an exciting career path.

Recruiters reportedly characterise military service as a form of academic leave, assuring students that they would be able to resume their studies “calmly” after the war. Some students are also said to receive promises of “guaranteed dismissal” once their contract terms expire.

At the same time, the report alleges that pressure tactics are being used. Students are reportedly required to attend recruitment meetings and face threats of disciplinary measures if they fail to appear. In some cases, particularly involving students with poor academic performance, individuals are summoned directly to administrative offices where they are pressured to sign contracts.

The publication further claims that the director of a college in Novosibirsk referred to students who were unwilling to join the war effort as “cowards.”

According to the report, the broader strategy includes monitoring students’ academic performance at various levels of education, which could serve as an effective long-term mechanism for identifying and targeting potential recruits.

By Tamilla Hasanova