Russian Children Being Funneled Into Drone Development Program Using Educational Games: Report

Russian children are being steered into military drone development programs through state-sponsored games and contests masked as educational opportunities, according to a recent investigation.

The initiative centers on the 2022 launch of a government-approved video game called Berloga, which rewards top players with academic perks like extra exam points, according to Kyiv Independent. Students who succeed in the game are funneled into national competitions such as Big Challenges, where they work directly with defense contractors under the watch of Russia’s Defense Ministry.

According to participants, students are instructed to mask the military nature of their work. “A project must always have a dual purpose, especially when you’re a school student,” one told the Insider. Another revealed that students were told not to mention war-related uses during presentations.

Some of the children’s contributions go far beyond simulation. A 13-year-old reportedly trained soldiers in drone operations, and propaganda videos have shown teenagers assembling Russia’s Geran-2 drones at the Alabuga industrial complex in Tatarstan. These drones are central to Russia’s air assault strategy, especially as Moscow ramps up production.

In June alone, Russian forces launched more than 5,300 Shahed-type drones, according to the report. On July 9, Ukraine faced the largest aerial assault of the war, with 741 drones and missiles deployed in a single day. Germany’s Maj. Gen. Christian Freuding warned that Russia’s goal is to launch up to 2,000 drones nightly, intensifying pressure on Ukrainian defenses.