Russia has been recruiting young African women to assemble Iranian-designed suicide drones at a sanctioned weapons facility in Tatarstan, under a deceptive "work-study" program that may amount to human trafficking, according to international reports.

The Alabuga Special Economic Zone has become a key hub in Russia’s drone war on Ukraine, producing kamikaze drones since 2022. Facing labor shortages, Russian operators launched the "Alabuga Start" initiative—touting careers in hospitality and catering—to attract young women, mainly from Africa, and more recently, South America.

Despite promises, recruits were tasked with assembling military drones. A Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime report found most recruits were unaware of the job's true nature, due in part to gag orders and misleading social media advertising. Dormitories housing African women were reportedly hit in Ukrainian strikes, causing injuries.

Labor Abuse and International Backlash

Sources suggest the preference for women aged 18-22 is based on their perceived "docility." Alabuga chief Timur Shagivaleev reportedly claimed African men were “too aggressive,” prompting a recruitment strategy focused on vulnerable women.

The UN has criticized the project as potentially constituting human trafficking. Ukrainian officials have urged African governments to end recruitment. Only Burkina Faso has taken tangible steps; most others have remained silent or complicit.

In Kenya, for instance, despite media scrutiny, the Russian embassy encouraged expansion of the program. Kenya’s government admitted 12 citizens were involved but denied they worked on weapons systems.

Exploitation Meets Geopolitics

The exploitation underscores a disturbing alliance between Russian defense needs and African labor desperation. Moscow continues expanding drone production for battlefield use in Ukraine, while African states seek overseas job placements for youth.

As one Ukrainian diplomat warned, “at some stage an African woman will be a legitimate target for a Ukrainian missile.”