Russia recruits women from Africa to produce drones

An investigation by the Associated Press claims that Russians have lured women aged 18-22 to work at Russian defence plants.

Here's What We Know

Initially, social media adverts promised young African women a free plane ticket, money and "adventures in Europe". As a result, the women ended up working at a defence enterprise in Tatarstan.

According to the publication, it is the Alabuga plant, which is one of the main Russian drone manufacturers.

The Shahed-136 drones were originally shipped to Russia unassembled, but production was moved to Alabuga. According to the plan, the plant is expected to produce 6,000 of these drones a year by 2025.

The AP also noted that some women complained about constant supervision, underpayment, and working with harsh chemicals that caused skin irritation.

In total, Russia has managed to recruit about 200 women from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.

Source: AP