Russian President Vladimir Putin recently endorsed the involvement of college students in the production of military equipment, as part of efforts to support Russia’s ongoing military operations.
Students Already Contributing
During a meeting with the governor of Novgorod, Andrey Nikitin, Putin approved a program that brings students into defense manufacturing to help meet the growing demands of the Russian military, according to URA.
According to Governor Nikitin, students are already contributing to the production of essential military items, such as flash suppressors used to reduce the visibility of gunfire, which is critical for anti-drone operations.
This effort, he explained, not only provides much-needed supplies but also helps train the next generation of defense industry workers.
Close the Labor Gab With Students
Nikitin highlighted the region’s 160% growth in defense production and acknowledged the severe labor shortages. To address this, Novgorod is focusing on attracting young talent to the defense sector.
Through a program called "Professionalitet," the region aims to close the labor gap within the next two and a half years by training students in specialized skills.
Political analyst Dmitry Solonnikov emphasized the patriotic impact of involving students in the war effort. He explained that this initiative boosts morale and gives students a sense of purpose, knowing their work directly supports the country’s military needs.
