Russian university students are facing “immense pressure” to join the military as Moscow appears to widen its search for manpower without announcing another politically risky mass mobilization to fight in the war with Ukraine, according to a new report.
CNN cited students saying atmospheres on campus have changed sharply this year, with one saying “the pressure is colossal” to join the ranks and another describing how university leaders were now actively urging students to go to war.
Several students told CNN that recruitment efforts are no longer limited to optional events or outside contractors. Instead, university administrators, professors, and even department heads are now involved in encouraging enlistment.
“All the top people in the university are now talking about contracts,” one student told the outlet, in reference to the paid agreements with the Russian Defense Ministry allowing recruits to serve without being formally conscripted.
The outlet added that, in some cases, students are being invited to meetings where military service is presented not just as an opportunity, but as a practical solution to personal and academic challenges. For those struggling to pay tuition or at risk of failing courses, the offer of a contract can come with promises of financial stability, academic leave, and a path to avoid expulsion. One student told the network that it felt less like a choice and more like “you either go, or you deal with the consequences here.”
Reuters had already reported earlier this month that Russian authorities and universities are aggressively courting students, especially for new drone units, with promises that include academic leave, tuition waivers, free housing, and salaries that can reach up to 7 million rubles, or about $87,000 a year.
A report from The Times, citing independent Russian outlet Vlast, said that Education and Science Minister Valery Falkov told rectors at major universities that at least 2% of their student body should sign contracts with the Defense Ministry. The Institute for the Study of War, citing that reporting, said the quota could produce about 44,000 new soldiers from universities alone, and as many as 76,000 if extended to technical colleges.
Under Russia’s longstanding draft rules, full-time students have often been able to defer compulsory military service. Reuters noted that, however, that those protections are becoming harder to rely on as the state retools the draft system and expands its search for recruits.
