Sixteen-year-old Vladislav builds UAVs that the Russian military uses for testing electronic warfare systems. Sasha, 13, teaches soldiers how to pilot drones and develops equipment for troops at the frontline. Meanwhile, Maksim, 17, has received a job offer from a lab “servicing the 'special military operation.'” This isn’t an episode of Black Mirror, but a real, state-sponsored scheme that harnesses the minds of Russia’s brightest children to attack Ukrainian cities. An investigation by The Insider reveals a sprawling network of government-backed organizations that has created a sophisticated pipeline of computer games, clubs, and competitions designed to turn hundreds of thousands of talented school students into military engineers.
  • mhague@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    6 days ago

    Sending in troops without proper equipment, needing to change recruitment policy, attacking the enemies homefront (civilians), children making weapons on the assembly line. Their special military operation looks a bit like major power about to lose WW2.