State Duma deputy Andrei Kolesnik has pushed back against a proposal by Ryazan Region governor Pavel Malkov that would involve businesses in selecting candidates for contract service in the Russian army.

On March 31, it emerged that the regional head had signed a decree requiring all companies-regardless of ownership structure-to identify employees for potential military contracts between March 20 and September 20, 2026. The number of candidates each company must put forward is tied to its workforce size.

Kolesnik criticized the approach as incompatible with the voluntary nature of contract service. In his view, assigning quotas to employers raises the question of how individuals could be compelled to sign contracts at all. He stressed that military service under contract is, by definition, a personal choice, not something that can be imposed administratively. He also drew a contrast with systems of compulsory mobilization, noting that Russia does not operate under such conditions and expressing confidence that existing forces are sufficient for current needs.

The deputy pointed out that recruitment for contract service is already underway nationwide, but on a voluntary basis. According to him, outreach efforts include public events where potential recruits can ознакомиться with benefits and conditions, complete preliminary paperwork, and then proceed to military enlistment offices to formalize contracts with the Ministry of Defense or other agencies.

Kolesnik added that many citizens choose this path independently, understanding the objectives of the special military operation and undergoing the necessary training before deployment.

He also suggested that the Ryazan initiative is unlikely to be replicated in other regions, arguing that it carries elements of coercion that could limit its effectiveness. In his assessment, the nature of military service-where individuals risk their lives-makes such administrative measures questionable.

For context, more than 80,000 people have signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces since the beginning of 2026. This figure was announced on March 27 by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council.