Russia’s Top Universities Offer Drone Service to Students Facing Expulsion

At the Higher School of Economics, one of Russia's top universities, students at risk of being expelled are being offered a new option: instead of continuing their studies, they can serve for a year in the drone forces.

During this time, they are granted an academic leave, with the chance to resume their education once their service is complete, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) on January 22.

Similar programs are also being implemented at other prestigious technical universities across Russia. Essentially, these universities are turning into recruitment centers. The Kremlin is intentionally redirecting the education system to support the war effort, erasing the boundary between civilian life and the military, , CCD wrote

The CCD points out that what was once an educational system focused on learning and acquiring professional skills is now being used to fulfill the state's need for human resources to sustain the war.

“The militarization of universities is yet another confirmation that the Putin regime is preparing for a prolonged war and views youth solely as a disposable resource for it,” the center added.

Meanwhile, Russia is expanding its influence through Russian-language teaching programs across Asia and Africa, using them as a tool to promote its political agenda and spread propaganda.

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War in Ukraine

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The Center revealed that Rossotrudnichestvo, Russia’s agency for international cooperation, is launching a new project in which groups of so-called master’s students from Moscow Linguistic University will be sent abroad for internships. These students will spend a month working in schools, universities, and educational centers across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

While Moscow presents these initiatives as cultural exchanges, Ukrainian analysts argue their real purpose is geopolitical, aimed at reinforcing Russia’s political influence and advancing its agenda globally.

Earlier, Ukrainian intelligence revealed that Russia has stopped concealing military training for children under the guise of social or educational programs. Minors are now being directly trained to operate drones and engage in other military activities.

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