Russia recruits women from Africa, Asia, and Latin America for drone production

Russia is using structures of the intergovernmental BRICS alliance by recruiting women from poor countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to work in drone production in Tatarstan. 

These drones are later deployed in the war against Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service.

“Russia is actively expanding recruitment for drone production in African, Asian, and Latin American countries, using the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan as the program’s hub,” the report reads.

Young women from low-income countries are offered high salaries and career prospects, but they are not informed that the work involves producing combat drones that are used against Ukraine.

In 2024, participants in the program came from 44 countries, including Mozambique, Colombia, Mali, and Sri Lanka. Russia’s target for 2025 is 77 countries.

In South Africa, BRICS networks were used for recruitment. 

The country’sMinistry of Women’s Affairs warned young people to “stay vigilant,” and authorities have launched an investigation into Russian companies’ activities,” the report reads.

The local branch of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance signed an agreement to recruit 5,600 workers for Alabuga, the name of the drone factory. 

In January, the BRICS student commission advertised vacancies that were promoted through popular Instagram and TikTok influencers.

“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, highlighting the scale of Russia’s drone production plans,” the report reads.

In 2024, intelligence recorded cases of African women being lured with promises of paid internships in the hospitality industry, only to be forced into drone assembly upon arrival, with lower pay and in inhumane conditions.