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Russia Exploits BRICS to Recruit Women From Africa and Asia for Drone War on Ukraine
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia is expanding efforts to recruit women from economically vulnerable countries to work at its drone manufacturing facilities, including through the use of BRICS -affiliated organizations, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (SZR).
The recruitment drive is centered in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, where loitering munitions such as Shahed drones are produced and subsequently deployed against Ukraine.
Ukrainian intelligence reports that women from Africa, Asia, and Latin America are being offered promises of high salaries and career opportunities, without being informed that the work involves assembling combat drones.
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According to the SZR, in 2024, participants in the so-called “Start” program came from 44 countries, including Mozambique, Colombia, Mali, and Sri Lanka.
Russia’s stated goal for 2025 is to expand this figure to 77 countries. More than 90% of those recruited through the program already work in the drone sector.
In South Africa, Russian companies reportedly relied on BRICS structures to facilitate recruitment. The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance signed an agreement to supply 5,600 workers to Alabuga, while the BRICS Student Commission circulated job postings earlier this year.
Recruitment campaigns were promoted by influencers on Instagram and TikTok. In response, South Africa’s Ministry of Women urged young people to remain cautious, and authorities launched investigations into the activities of Russian firms.
Reports also indicate cases of deception. In 2024, some African women were lured with promises of paid internships in the hospitality sector, but upon arrival were forced to work in drone assembly under harsher conditions and lower pay.
International bodies have taken notice. Interpol has opened an investigation in Botswana into the “Alabuga Start” program on suspicion of human trafficking. In Argentina, a lawsuit has been filed against two former reality television participants who appeared in advertisements for the initiative.
The expansion of Alabuga reflects Moscow’s broader labor shortages, driven by mobilization, demographic decline, and reduced migration from Central Asia. Construction is underway to house 41,000 workers in the economic zone, signaling Russia’s plans for a significant scale-up of drone production.
Earlier, NHK reported that North Korea plans to send up to 25,000 workers to Russia to support Shahed drone production at the Geran facility in Yelabuga, Tatarstan. The workers are expected to assist with manufacturing and gain expertise for drone programs in North Korea.
