RT by @mikenov: RT by @mikenov: Russia’s drone program is collapsing – and frontline units are starving for manpower. Conflict Intelligence Team reports Russia trained only 8,000 drone specialists in the first half of 2026. The target was 34,400. That’s 23 % of the planned pace. 🔥 Frontline consequences: Units operating at under 40 % of standard strength National contract sign‑ups down one‑third Moscow recruiting 1,000 fewer per month Students promised drone roles sent as regular infantry Multiple cases of drone recruits forced into storm units and killed within weeks Example: Valeriy Averin, 23, signed a drone contract → killed two weeks later in Luhansk. 🔥 Recruitment breakdown: Penza au

Russia’s drone program is collapsing – and frontline units are starving for manpower.   Conflict Intelligence Team reports Russia trained only 8,000 drone specialists in the first half of 2026. The target was 34,400. That’s 23 % of the planned pace.
🔥 Frontline consequences:
Units operating at under 40 % of standard strength
National contract sign‑ups down one‑third

Moscow recruiting 1,000 fewer per month
Students promised drone roles sent as regular infantry

Multiple cases of drone recruits forced into storm units and killed within weeks Example: Valeriy Averin, 23, signed a drone contract → killed two weeks later in Luhansk.

🔥 Recruitment breakdown:

Penza authorities set up roadblocks to force men to sign contracts

Lawyer Mamontov reports “countless calls” from families whose relatives were reassigned to assault troops
🎯 Strategic picture:

Russia wants a massive drone force – but lacks trained personnel, recruitment flow, and institutional capacity. Result: The drone program is stalling, and the frontline is running on fumes.
#️⃣  #Russia  #Ukraine  #Drones  #Donbas  #War 🇬🇧

— @jalle51 Jul 26, 2026