The video game is like capture the flag — but with a Slavic twist, and a dark secret. Promoted online by video game streamers and social media influencers, Drone Battle: Ukraine is just one tentacle in a Russian influence campaign that lures young people to the factory under false promises of riches and education, experts told Straight Arrow. But the disinformation and influence operation remains active elsewhere on social media, including on X and Telegram. In an X post in mid-July, Alabuga promoted a game called “Construction Works,” and exhorted social media users to “imagine you’re in a real video game.” Meanwhile, Nasyrov said, Dronecon cyber tournaments featuring Drone War: Ukraine competitions, with million-ruble prizes, have also taken on a bigger role in the scheme.