The All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) has begun…
The All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) has begun recruiting students for war. Future students at the drone operations faculty are being offered free education starting from the 2027 academic year, provided they sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to serve in unmanned aerial vehicle units for one year.
Consensus
- VGIK is offering free education starting from the 2027 academic year to prospective students who sign a one-year contract with the Ministry of Defense.
- The contract is for service in drone units (БПЛА).
- Students will be granted veteran status for combat operations and associated benefits.
- Free dormitory accommodation is promised.
- The program includes expanded technical and financial support for student film projects.
- The announcement was posted on the VGIK operator faculty's VKontakte page.
- The number of available spots in the special group is limited.
Points of divergence
- Service under the contract will be equated to conscripted service, and according to a presidential decree, contracts automatically extend until the end of the war, making them effectively indefinite. — tg_dwglavnoe
- The Ministry of Science and Higher Education's head Valery Falkov demanded that 2% of students be sent to military service; student leaders claim they are misled about guaranteed discharge after contract completion. — tg_echoonline_news
Coverage (2 sources)
- VGIK begins recruiting students for war — DW Главное
- VGIK recruits students to participate in war against Ukraine — ЭХО / Новости