Key information
- The Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education is pressuring universities to recruit at least 2 percent of their male students under military contracts.
- This initiative could potentially bring up to 76,000 new recruits to the Russian army if technical schools are included.
- Despite promises of benefits and the ability to return to school, experts warn that contracts offered by universities do not necessarily guarantee specific positions or early termination.
The Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education has ordered university rectors to ensure that at least 2 percent of their students sign contracts for military service. The directive was issued earlier this year during a meeting with leaders of the country’s largest universities, according to Faridailywhich quotes an anonymous rector of a Moscow-based establishment.
Up to 76,000 recruits
If the goal is met, the invading Russian army could recruit around 44,000 new recruits from the estimated 2.2 million male students enrolled at Russian universities in 2025.
Extending the 2 percent target to technical schools could potentially recruit an additional 32,000 people signing contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry, bringing the total to 76,000.
Uncertain promises
To encourage participation, students are promised the opportunity to return to their studies after fulfilling their contractual obligations and are reminded of the substantial financial compensation and benefits offered to those who participate in the conflict against Ukraine. Efforts to encourage students to engage in military contracts have been underway since late 2022, with the primary focus being on recruiting people for unmanned systems units.
Reports indicate that at least 70 Russian educational institutions have collaborated in recruiting students for the war in Ukraine since February. Students face pressure tactics, including mandatory recruitment meetings and potential disciplinary action for absences. In some cases, students in difficulty are summoned individually by university authorities and encouraged to sign contracts.
However, human rights advocates and legal experts warn that the universities’ promises may not be entirely accurate. Standard military contracts offered to students generally do not include an early termination clause. A contract amendment obtained by students at one institution explicitly states that service in drone units is not guaranteed and that soldiers could be reassigned to other branches, such as the infantry.
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