Russia Recruits Women from Low-Income Countries for Drone Production

• Russia is recruiting women from low-income countries to work in drone factories.
• The "Start" program aims to recruit participants from 77 countries by 2025.
• In Botswan, cases of human trafficking are being investigated through "Alabuga".

This is reported by Ukrinform, RBC Ukraine.

Russia is expanding its recruitment of workers for drone production in African, Asian, and Latin American countries, utilizing the special economic zone "Alabuga" in Tatarstan as the center of the program.

According to information provided by the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service, young women from low-income countries are promised high salaries and career growth, but it is not disclosed that their work involves producing strike drones that are used against Ukraine.

In 2024, representatives from 44 countries, including Mozambique, Colombia, Mali, and Sri Lanka, participated in the "Start" program. The goal for 2025 is to recruit participants from 77 countries.

In Southern Africa, BRICS structures were utilized to recruit women. The Ministry for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities called young women to "be considered," while the government began investigating the activities of Russian companies. The local branch of BRICS signed a contract for the recruitment of 5600 workers for "Alabuga." In January, the BRICS Student Commission announced vacancies, while popular bloggers on Instagram and TikTok promoted the recruitment.

It is noted that Russia is struggling with a shortage of labor due to mobilization, demographic decline, and restrictions on labor migration from Central Asia. "Alabuga" will house 41,000 people, indicating the large-scale plans for drone production. More than 90% of participants in the "Start" program are already working in this sector.

In 2024, documented cases emerged where African women were lured by promises of paid internships in the hospitality business, but after arrival, they were forced to produce drones for less pay in exploitative conditions. This year, Interpol began investigating in Botswan regarding "Alabuga Start" through suspicions of human trafficking. In Argentina, lawsuits were filed against two former participants in reality shows, who promoted the program's recruitment.

The Russian Ministry has announced on its propaganda channel "Zvezda" the various stages of drone production "Geran-2". Due to a lack of labor, drones are being produced, including components.

Photo: The Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service

Tags: Russia/Aviation/Crime