Russia is expanding its recruitment for drone production in African, Asian, and Latin American countries, using the special economic zone Alabuga in Tatarstan as the center of the program.
This was reported by the press service of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, according to Ukrinform.
As noted, young women from poor countries are offered high salaries and career prospects, but they are not informed that the work involves producing strike drones used against Ukraine.
In 2024, representatives from 44 countries participated in the Start program, including Mozambique, Colombia, Mali, and Sri Lanka. The target for 2025 is 77 countries.
In South Africa, BRICS structures were used for recruitment. The Ministry of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities urged young people “to be vigilant,” and authorities launched an investigation into the activities of Russian companies. The local branch of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance signed an agreement to recruit 5,600 workers for Alabuga. The BRICS Student Commission in January circulated job announcements, and promotion was carried out by popular Instagram and TikTok bloggers.
It is reported 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 41,000 people, indicating large-scale plans for drone production. More than 90% of participants in the Start program are already working in this sector.
In 2024, cases were recorded where African women were lured with promises of paid internships in the hotel business, but after arrival, they were forced to make drones for lower wages and in inhumane conditions. This year, Interpol launched an investigation in Botswana into Alabuga Start on suspicion of human trafficking. In Argentina, a lawsuit was filed against two former reality show participants who filmed advertisements for the program.
As reported by Ukrinform, the Russian Ministry of Defense, on its propaganda Zvezda TV channel, showed for the first time various stages of the production process of Geran-2 drones. Due to a lack of manpower, drones are being produced, in particular, by teenagers.
Photo: Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine
Source: Russia recruits women from low-income countries via BRICS to produce drones – intelligence
