“The state will always deceive you”. Moscow’s elite HSE university lures failing students into “special” military contracts with no way back

On January 19, the academic publication T-invariant, citing internal documents, reported that university leadership intended to offer male students at risk of being dropped from their courses a “special” one-year contract with the Ministry of Defence.

Prospective recruits were reportedly promised academic leave and roles within drone units.

According to the university’s internal papers, those who completed their term and did not wish to renew their service were to be guaranteed a discharge and the opportunity to resume their education.

Artyom Klyga, a member of the “Conscientious Objectors” movement, sought clarification from the university’s Second department, the administrative office responsible for student military registration and liaison with the draft board.

In his reply, the head of the department, Vladimir Krotov, stated that no such “special” contract exists. In reality, this means students would likely remain in the army until the war ends, as the Russian military currently does not allow for the expiration of fixed-term contracts during the “partial mobilisation” period.

“A one-year contract, a guaranteed return to education, academic leave, and service exclusively in drone units—it is all a lie,” Klyga wrote on his Telegram channel. “In fact, you could find yourself on the front line, including in an assault unit. In that case, no amount of help from [HSE] will save you. The state will always deceive you.”