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Student Offered Military Drone Service Amid Troop Shortages

4/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Daniil, a student in St. Petersburg, received an email offering one year of service in the military's drone force.
The contract includes free tuition, dormitory housing, and a paid master's program, with a salary of 6.52 million rubles.
Daniil described the offer as absurd and horrifying, citing recruitment amid troop shortages in the war against Ukraine.
Putin's administration has pursued measures to bolster military ranks to avoid another draft.

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Story summary

Daniil, a student in St. Petersburg, received an email offering one year of service in the military's drone force.
The contract includes free tuition, dormitory housing, and a paid master's program, with a salary of 6.52 million rubles.
Daniil described the offer as absurd and horrifying, citing recruitment amid troop shortages in the war against Ukraine.
Putin's administration has pursued measures to bolster military ranks to avoid another draft.