An anti-war charity helping Russians flee the military says the number of former students seeking its help has surged over the past six months, from just a few cases to as many as 50 a month.
Grigory Sverdlin, founder of Get Lost, said students had previously made up only a small proportion of those approaching the organisation, but had become one of the largest groups among the deserters it helps. Get Lost, a translation of the Russian phrase Idite Lesom, was originally founded in Georgia in 2022. It has more than 120 volunteers around the world, including in Russia, who offer legal guidance and psychological help to Russians hoping to avoid conscription, as well as escape plans and online support for those looking to leave the army, Sverdlin explained.
Russia has intensified its campaign to recruit students at universities, technical colleges and vocational schools into the military this year. Many students are being steered towards drone units, presented as a more technical and specialised form of service. In April, student publication Groza identified 269 universities and colleges that had promoted contracts for Russia’s drone forces. Reports suggest students have been offered one-year contracts, as well as financial and academic incentives if they sign up.
