Students at Ural universities are reluctant to sign contracts with unmanned forces.
Since November 2025, only 21 students from Ural universities have agreed to serve in the unmanned forces. However, there are significantly more applicants among technical school and college students, according to Dmitry Demenkov, head of the contract service recruitment center in Yekaterinburg.
Who's going, and who's "still thinking"
Demenkov explained the difference in student engagement on the OTV channel's "Aktsent" program. He said students with secondary vocational education are more willing to participate.
"Right now, more students are coming with secondary vocational education. Those with higher education are probably still thinking about it. There are certain internal barriers. Of course, the guys are 18 years old, and there's also the barrier of their parents," Demenkov said.
A one-year contract and the opportunity to return
Dmitry Demenkov called the contract with the Ministry of Defense "unique": it is concluded for one year, and the student can take academic leave. However, earlier Lawyer Artem Klyga spoke about thatthat the command has the right, but is not obliged, to dismiss students who have joined the UAV squad.
Campaigning in universities and technical schools
In March, a number of universities, including UrFU, USGU, USYU and UGFLTU, posted notices on their websites and in their buildings calling for recruitment. USUE also held in-person meetings between students and military representatives. In April, technical schools and colleges in the Urals also joined the recruitment campaign.
Falkov's quota: up to 76 people
Earlier it was reported that Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov Established a quota for the largest universities: at least 2% of students must sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense. If met, this could result in approximately 44 students, and if technical schools and colleges are included, up to 76.
Video: OTV channel
