A group of volunteer UAV operators has gone to the special military operation from Nizhny Novgorod.

      June 30, 2026 16:54 Society Volunteers from different regions of the country are signing contracts with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation in Nizhny Novgorod. Another group of recruits, who chose to serve in the unmanned systems troops, has been sent to a training center for UAV operators. This was reported by the press service of the military commissariat of the Nizhny Novgorod region. Among them is an 18-year-old volunteer with the call sign "Moscow." He shared that during his studies in school, he visited a military hospital as a volunteer with his math teacher. Communication with the soldiers and the authority of his teacher influenced his decision to link his life with service. According to the recruit, despite his education—he graduated from a school with an in-depth study of English and a physics-mathematics lyceum—he now considers it his duty to be "in the ranks."

      "Our country is going through a turning point, and the fate of the Motherland is being decided literally before our eyes. I cannot sit quietly at home," the young man stated.

      The young man added that the example of a comrade serving in the "Rubicon" unit strengthened his resolve. His family was initially worried, but they supported his decision, and his father said he was proud of him. As a talisman, he took a fountain pen—a gift from his teacher, which was passed to him by an acquaintance who participated in the Special Military Operation (SMO). After completing his service, the young man plans to enroll in the FSB institute. Another volunteer is a 41-year-old man with the call sign "Redoubt." Before signing the contract, he headed the IT department of a Moscow company producing plastic products. He explains his choice in favor of unmanned systems troops by the opportunity to apply his professional skills.

      "In the unmanned systems troops, technology directly affects the outcome, and I want to contribute," he noted, adding that he has experience in IT, drone management, and 3D printing and hopes to be useful in ensuring the country's security.

      The commissariat reminds that a distinctive feature of the contract with the unmanned systems troops is its duration—one year. Since June 15, 2026, the one-time payment to volunteers upon signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense of Russia in Nizhny Novgorod has been increased to 3.2 million rubles. The monthly salary ranges from 210,000 rubles. Additional payments for combat merits and the destruction of enemy equipment—up to 500,000 rubles—are provided for military personnel of UAV units. Contractors are also issued certificates for obtaining a land plot in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      In addition, the region has a mechanism for military social contracts. It provides additional support for families: 10,000 rubles per month for each child, benefits for utility payments and kindergartens, as well as other assistance measures, including individual support for the family of the serviceman. The dispatch of residents of the region to their place of service is coordinated by a support center based at the House of National Unity. The Nizhny Novgorod region also continues to send humanitarian aid to the SMO zone. Earlier, we reported that a veteran of the SMO opened a military-patriotic camp in Bor thanks to a social contract. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay informed about the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+