Russia pressures university students to become wartime drone pilots

TL;DR

Russian universities are recruiting students as drone pilots, offering benefits such as free tuition and up to $70,000.
Recruitment materials claim students can avoid frontline combat, but at least one student drone pilot has died in battle.
The recruitment targets approximately 2 million male university students, including those with technical and gaming skills.
Russia aims to have 168,000 drone operators by the end of 2026, emulating Ukraine's drone warfare success.
Despite promises of safety, the area near the frontlines is described as a 'kill zone' due to constant surveillance and potential strikes.
The death of 23-year-old Valery Averin highlights the risks, as he was reportedly sent into an assault despite only training as a drone operator.
Concerns exist about depleting Russia's educated workforce, exacerbating the existing brain drain.
Some Russian military recruitment tactics are questioned, with allegations of drone operators being used in frontal assaults.
Russia's military is increasingly relying on infantry assaults on foot or horseback due to Ukraine's drone warfare capabilities.
Ukraine also faces recruitment challenges but appears to avoid Russia's indiscriminate approach, utilizing ground robots instead.

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