By John Q. Hosedrinker 
An investigation reveals that Russian authorities are actively involving children in the design and testing of drones for the war in Ukraine. This involvement begins with seemingly innocuous video games and progresses to advanced competitions, with talented students being recruited by defense companies. Teenagers have been found to be modeling drone components for major enterprises, often encouraged to conceal the military applications of their projects. Furthermore, children have been shown constructing kamikaze drones in factories, violating international conventions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to boost Russia’s drone production, a crucial element of its war effort.
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Russia using children to design and test its military drones, an investigation has revealed, which, frankly, isn’t that surprising. We’ve seen the propaganda, the videos of kids excitedly working on these projects, proudly proclaiming their contribution. It’s almost a direct echo of how they used their own propaganda to justify actions that led to Putin’s arrest warrant at The Hague. This whole situation screams of a desperate need, a gaping hole in their manpower.
The whole nation seems to be at war, not just Putin or the Wagner Group or the regular army, but everyone. A teenager involved in these efforts even said they knew of several people who were designing parts for major enterprises. It’s a grim reality, a chilling parallel to “Ender’s Game,” where children are thrust into military roles. It’s like the movie “Toys” – a disturbing turn of events where children are essentially being groomed for conflict. The next step, I imagine, is to put them in the pilot seats on the front lines.
I wouldn’t put too much stock in the accuracy of claims made by teenagers in online chats. However, the underlying trend is clear. Russia is tapping into unconventional talent pools, and sadly, these pools include children. This isn’t a new tactic. Other nations have explored similar strategies. But now, considering the context, it has become much more worrisome.
The manpower shortage is a crucial factor, but it’s not the only issue. The real challenge lies in the supply chain, the lack of essential materials to keep the war machine running. They can generate a million more soldiers tomorrow, but without proper training and equipment, it’s futile. The focus should be on crippling their access to the resources they desperately need – metal alloys, electronic components, manufacturing materials. If the squeeze is tight enough, we might see the old, patriotic “one rifle for every two men” scenario again.
The current approach of framing the war as a manpower issue plays into Russia’s hands. The real game is about cutting off their lifeline. Persuading China and India to redirect their supplies to the West, for instance, is a crucial move. It’s a complex strategy, one that might be hampered by political maneuvering. The current imbalance in the gender ratio within Russia also presents some interesting points for speculation.
There’s also a theory that the poor training of Russian soldiers is by design. This would explain why they’re now accepting recruits who earlier would have been rejected. The ridiculously low unemployment rate reinforces this. Industry is starved for personnel, and civil businesses are shutting their doors. Russia has a large population, but only a fraction are healthy, able-bodied men. These are needed everywhere, and the military is taking its share.
The increasing kill zones and the declining quality of soldiers suggest that Russian frontline deaths will increase over time. They might use even more men in the future, even without proper gear. What they urgently need are drones, fast vehicles, and manpower. The strategy is probably based on finding what they’re “losing” to use it in the near future. This war is on track to become even more brutal, and it’s questionable whether the West is prepared. We might believe that defensive systems can protect us, but they might struggle against thousands of drones backed by rapidly advancing infantry.
Let’s be clear: Russia is not short on people. They can produce a lot more soldiers if they need to. Their supply chain has major issues, and that is what will eventually end the war. Both sides are dependent on foreign aid, with the war heading towards a bloody conclusion. One side will have to choose between self-preservation or submission.