Russian authorities have systematically involved children in the design and testing of drones for the war in Ukraine, according to an investigation by the exiled Russian news outlet the Insider. The process begins with seemingly innocent video games and culminates in talented students being headhunted by defence companies.
The investigation reveals that teenagers participating in a video game called Berloga, launched in 2022, can progress to advanced competitions such as Big Challenges. Successful players are then recruited by Russian companies, many of which are under international sanctions for their roles in the defence industry. One teenage finalist told the Insider: 'The kids are actively involved in modelling components of systems for various drones.'
Children are also involved in the production of larger kamikaze drones. A documentary broadcast by the Russian army's television station showed teenagers helping to construct Geran-2 drones at a factory in Alabuga, Tatarstan, described as the world's biggest maker of strike drones. The factory has invited 14- and 15-year-old pupils to study drone manufacturing at an adjacent college and subsequently work at the facility.
One teenager explained that participants were forbidden from mentioning the military application of projects and were encouraged to invent civilian uses instead. 'It's an unwritten rule I've observed at every competition,' he said. Another child revealed that at age 13, he had trained soldiers in drone operations inside a state facility in 2022.
Employing children in military facilities violates numerous international conventions, as such sites could be legitimately targeted in wartime. The Alabuga factory has been placed on an EU sanctions list and has come under attack from Ukrainian long-range drones.
