Kathrine Frich
Russia’s heavy battlefield losses are putting increasing pressure on the Kremlin to find new soldiers.
Russian forces have been losing around 1,000 soldiers a day in recent weeks, intensifying the need to replace troops.
New recruitment push
According to reporting by Ziare.com, companies in Russia’s Ryazan region have been ordered to put forward employees as potential recruits for military service.
The directive, signed by Governor Pavel Malkov, requires firms with more than 150 staff to nominate at least two workers as “candidates” for contract enlistment by September 20. The requirement increases with company size, with larger businesses expected to submit more names.
The policy applies to both private and state-owned companies, signaling a broader effort to involve the business sector in sustaining recruitment levels.
Pressure builds
While the order does not clearly outline penalties for non-compliance, it references earlier wartime decrees signed by President Vladimir Putin. Under regional rules, companies that obstruct such measures could face fines of up to one million rubles.
Officials maintain that contract service remains voluntary. However, analysts say the move reflects intensifying pressure to maintain troop numbers as the war continues.
Moscow’s own figures suggest that more than 420,000 people signed military contracts last year, though recruitment is reportedly slowing in major urban centers.
Economic strain
The increased focus on mobilization is also adding stress to Russia’s economy. Experts warn that labor shortages could deepen, with projections suggesting a deficit of up to 11 million workers by 2030.
At the same time, the Kremlin is seeking to expand its armed forces significantly, aiming for 1.5 million active personnel and more than 2.3 million when auxiliary staff are included.
Defense spending has already risen sharply, reaching around 6.3 percent of GDP in 2025, a level considered high even under current security conditions.
Sources: Ziare.com
