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The Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Russia has confirmed it is prompting students facing expulsion to sign military contracts for deployment in Ukraine. Reports indicate that male students at risk of dropping out may be offered a one-year contract with the Ministry of Defence, promising academic leave and roles in drone units.

However, internal documents suggest that these students could remain in the army until the war concludes, as fixed-term contracts do not expire during the partial mobilization period. Artyom Klyga, a human rights activist, criticized the university’s assurances, indicating that students could end up in frontline combat despite promises of education continuity. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence noted a significant shift in procurement, with domestic military production rising from 46% to 82% of contracted goods in 2025, enhancing the sustainability of Ukraine's defense industry.