February 26, 2026

'Echo': At Least 70 Russian Educational Institutions Recruiting Students for War

At least 70 educational institutions in Russia are urging students to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense and go to war against Ukraine, according to 'Echo'. Journalists found recruitment messages in 57 universities, 13 colleges, and technical schools across 23 regions of Russia and annexed Crimea. The publication notes that the actual number of institutions involved in such recruitment may be significantly higher. Some institutions offer students large payments and promise 'guaranteed dismissal' upon contract completion, while others threaten punishment for failing to attend recruitment meetings. Human rights activist Artem Klyga previously reported that students at the Higher School of Economics, who were promised dismissal after a year, are being signed to regular contracts, negating any guaranteed dismissal. Furthermore, Klyga noted that the contract for the Ulyanovsk College of Culture and Arts does not guarantee service in drone troops, with recruits potentially being sent to infantry if they don't meet requirements.