Key Points
- Russia is reportedly marketing toy versions of its Shahed/Geran war drones, sold cheaply with firecracker slots to imitate explosions
- Observers describe the products as propaganda for children, accusing Moscow of glorifying weapons used in Ukraine
- Social media users are divided — some call it militarized indoctrination, others see it as patriotic novelty merchandise
ISLAMABAD: A viral post by @Defence_Index, an independent military-tracking account, has drawn global attention after claiming that toy replicas of Russia’s Shahed/Geran attack drones — used extensively in the war on Ukraine — are now being sold for about $4.38 in Russian markets.
The toys, modelled after the Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones and rebranded locally as Geran-2, reportedly feature slots for firecrackers that simulate explosions, turning the battlefield weapon into a child’s plaything. The post labeled the trend “propaganda disguised as play,” arguing that it trivialises wartime violence and glorifies militarism among young audiences.
Public and Online Reactions
The claim sparked mixed responses on social media. Some users condemned the idea as a disturbing extension of Russia’s propaganda machine.
User @Wralda_ commented, “Russian propaganda for kids is what I knew growing up. I’d buy propaganda firecracker drones before a propaganda rainbow plush doll.”
Others mocked the trend, saying it reflects how deeply wartime culture has permeated daily life in Russia, where patriotic toys, cartoons, and music have become common tools for shaping youth sentiment since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Symbolism and Strategy
Analysts say the miniature drones exemplify the weaponisation of nostalgia and nationalism in Russian consumer culture. Turning combat imagery into entertainment, they argue, is part of a wider effort to normalise conflict and rally generational support for the war efforts.
The reported toy drones — even if novelty items — underscore the blurred line between propaganda, consumerism, and state messaging in Russia’s ongoing information war.
