Russia recruits women from Africa and Asia for drone production: intelligence reveals the scheme

Russia is actively expanding recruitment for drone production in African, Asian, and Latin American countries

According to hvylya.net: According to the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service, it has become known that the Russian side is intensifying the recruitment of workers for drone production in regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The special economic zone 'Alabuga' in Tatarstan is being used as the center of the program.

According to intelligence information, young women from less developed countries are offered high salaries and career opportunities, but it is not specified that this involves working in the production of combat drones used against Ukraine. In 2024, women from 44 countries participated in the 'Start' program, including Mozambique, Colombia, Mali, and Sri Lanka. The plan for 2025 is to attract workers from 77 countries.

Reaction to the recruitment

'In South Africa, BRICS structures were used for recruitment. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs urged youth to 'be vigilant,' and the authorities launched an investigation into the activities of Russian companies. The local branch of the Women's Business Alliance of BRICS signed an agreement to find 5.6 thousand workers for 'Alabuga.' The Student Commission of BRICS disseminated job vacancies in January, and promotions were handled by popular bloggers on Instagram and TikTok.'

It has been emphasized that Russia is facing a labor shortage due to mobilization, demographic decline, and restrictions on labor migration from Central Asia. 'Alabuga' is building housing for 41 thousand people, which indicates ambitious plans for drone production. Over 90% of participants in the 'Start' program already have experience in this sector.

In 2024, there were cases where African women were lured by promises of paid internships in the hospitality industry and then forced to work on drones under worse conditions and receiving lower salaries, reported the SBU.

Some countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America fall under the influence of the Russian recruitment network for drone production used in military conflicts. Russia is massively expanding its activities in this area, attracting workers from various countries under unknown conditions to them.