**Russia’s Secret Drone Factory Exposed**
In a shocking move, Russia has unveiled what it claims is the “largest and most secret” drone factory in the world. The facility, located at the Alabuga industrial park near Kazan in the Tatarstan region, has been producing thousands of Shahed-type strike drones and decoy models every month.
According to Russian state media, the plant is capable of producing 5,200 drones per month, with a reported 16.9% increase in output in May. The factory, which was launched in 2023, is equipped with metal foundries, blacksmith shops, and in-house assembly lines. What’s more, it uses parts shipped from Iran via the Caspian Sea and Kama River.
The revelation comes as Ukraine faces a barrage of drone attacks on its cities. Russia has been launching Shahed drones, including the Geran-2 model, which is reportedly crucial to their nightly attacks on Ukrainian targets. These drones have become a game-changer in the conflict, with over 5,300 Shaheds launched by Russia in June alone.
**Recruitment of Teenagers**
In a disturbing twist, Russian state media released footage showing teenagers as young as 15 assembling drone components and working at computer stations inside the factory. The videos highlighted a recruitment program targeting students from local technical colleges. This move has raised concerns about the exploitation of minors for military purposes.
The use of teenagers in drone production is not unique to this facility, however. Ukrainian officials have previously accused Russia of using children as young as 14 in its war effort. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also condemned such practices, stating that they are a violation of international humanitarian law.
**Investigation into Human Trafficking**
Reports from multiple sources, including Interpol, suggest that the Alabuga Special Economic Zone has been involved in recruiting African women under false pretenses through a work-study scheme. An investigation into potential human trafficking was opened in April, following testimony and reports from affected individuals.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, concerns about the exploitation of civilians for military purposes are growing. The revelation of Russia’s secret drone factory serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war on innocent lives.
**Countermeasures**
Ukraine has responded to the surge in drone attacks by increasing its domestic drone production capacity. President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Kyiv can produce up to 8 million drones annually, although it lacks the foreign funding to scale fully. Germany’s Maj. Gen. Christian Freuding has warned that Russia aims to launch 2,000 drones a night and emphasized the need for Ukraine to strike drone production sites and lower interception costs.
The cat-and-mouse game between Ukraine and Russia continues to intensify as both sides scramble to counter each other’s military strategies. The world watches with bated breath as this conflict unfolds, and one thing is clear: the exploitation of civilians and teenagers in such conflicts must be condemned and stopped.
**What’s Next?**
The revelation of Russia’s secret drone factory has significant implications for global security and diplomacy. As the world grapples with the consequences of war on civilians, it’s essential to hold perpetrators accountable and work towards peace.
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