Russia using video game 'contests' to recruit pupils for drone programme

Children have been systematically involved in the design and testing of drones for Russia's war in Ukraine through nationwide competitions that begin with video games and end up with the most talented students headhunted by defence companies, an investigation has found.

- Shaun Walker

The revelations, part of an investigation by the exiled Russian news outlet the Insider, are the latest to show just how much Russia's leaders are dragging the country's youth into the war effort, with "patriotic" and militarised education often spilling over into outright participation.

One of the teenagers involved told a journalist: "The kids are actively involved in modelling components of systems for various drones. I know of several people at least who were modelling UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] components for major enterprises."

Vladimir Putin has called for Russia to boost its production of drones, which have become a key part of the war for Russia and Ukraine. But the drone battle on the frontlines is constantly changing as both sides discover new technologies to enable drones to fly further and evade jamming systems, and Russia is seeking the smartest tech prodigies among its youth to help with the effort.