Russia Recruits Women via BRICS to Build Drones in Tatarstan, Ukraine’s Intelligence Service Reports

Russia is recruiting women from poor countries to work at its enterprises producing drones, using, in particular, BRICS structures, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine (FIS).

Intelligence reports indicate that Moscow is expanding its recruitment efforts in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The program is centered on the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan, where Shahed drones are mass-produced and reportedly used in nightly attacks on Ukraine.

“Young women from poor countries are offered high salaries and career prospects, but they are not informed that they are working on strike drones used against Ukraine,” the FIS said.

According to FIS, in 2024, participants from 44 countries took part in the Start program, including Mozambique, Colombia, Mali, and Sri Lanka. Russian authorities aim to expand it to 77 countries in 2025.

In South Africa, BRICS structures were reportedly used to recruit workers.

The FIS said the Ministry of Women’s Affairs has urged young people to “be vigilant,” and authorities have launched investigations into the activities of Russian companies.

“The local branch of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance signed an agreement to recruit 5,600 employees for Alabuga. The BRICS Student Commission distributed job advertisements in January, and popular bloggers on Instagram and TikTok promoted the program,” the agency said.

Alabuga is constructing housing for 41,000 people, indicating large-scale plans for drone production. More than 90% of Start program participants reportedly already work in the sector.

Ukrainian intelligence reported that in 2024, some African women were lured with promises of paid internships in the hotel business and, upon arrival, “forced to assemble drones for less pay and in inhumane conditions.”

Interpol has reportedly launched an investigation in Botswana this year into Alabuga Start on suspicion of human trafficking.

A lawsuit was also filed in Argentina against two former TV show participants who filmed commercials promoting the program.