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The former plumper has allegedly created a very restrictive buying system giving him total control of the purchase of drones.
A former plumbing supply businessman is at the center of a growing military scandal in Russia.
Yuri Vaganov leads the Russian Unmanned Systems Forces, but his background earned him the nickname “Yura the Toilet” among troops.
But according to a June 16 report from news outlet ASTRA, cited by United24Media, Vaganov set up a highly restrictive buying system within the Ministry of Defense. This network allegedly ensures that the military only buys drones that he personally approves.
The situation has sparked heavy criticism from Russian military bloggers. Many worry about how these tight restrictions affect the quality of equipment sent to the battlefield.
Danger on the line
Checking these new weapons involves a specialized testing facility. Drone models must undergo field tests at the Rubikon center, where operators review whether they meet required standards.
However, the system appears to have a dark side. When manufacturers asked Rubikon staff why certain models were turned down, they received a terrifying explanation.
The ASTRA channel reported that manufacturers “reached the very operators from ‘Rubikon’ and asked polite questions on the topic: how did it happen? To which they received (and documented) an answer that those items which are not accompanied by the ‘recommendation’ of Groza-Vaganov must be rejected, otherwise ‘into the assault’.”
Testing staff face a grim choice. They must either reject unapproved equipment or face frontline combat as punishment.
Flawed gear, high goals
Vaganov lacks any formal military education. He previously managed the Sudoplatov project, a massive supplier of first-person-view drones. But the quality of those devices faced intense pushback from operators.
One prominent blogging channel, Chronicle of a UAV Operator, warned that using this gear was “dangerous to the life of the crew.” Vaganov faces potential dismissal, though he reportedly counts on protection from Deputy Defense Minister Krivoruchko.
This internal chaos comes at a critical moment. Data from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency shows that Russia planned a massive expansion of drone production throughout 2026.
Moscow aimed to build 110,000 units this year, boosting daily output from 142 drones in January to 455 by December. But with corruption allegations swirling, those ambitious goals might be in jeopardy.
