An investigation by the Associated Press alleges that Russians have enticed women aged 18 to 22 to work at defense plants in Russia.
What We Know
Initially, social media advertisements offered young African women free plane tickets, financial incentives, and "adventures in Europe." Consequently, these women found themselves employed at a defense facility in Tatarstan.
According to the report, this facility is the Alabuga plant, a leading manufacturer of drones in Russia.
The Shahed-136 drones were initially delivered to Russia in an unassembled state, but production has since been relocated to Alabuga. According to the plan, the plant aims to produce 6,000 of these drones annually by 2025.
The AP also reported that some women expressed concerns about being under constant supervision, receiving low pay, and handling harsh chemicals that caused skin irritation.
Overall, Russia has successfully recruited around 200 women from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.
