The Russian military explain it by the fact that only a few people out of 2,000 candidates have met the requirements (a candidate must have a good command of the Russian language, be a high school graduate, and 18-30 years of age). However, it seems that there is another reason - the process is hindered by the absence of agreements between Russia and other CIS countries, which would allow citizens of these countries to serve in a foreign army.
The Uzbek Justice Ministry was the first to call the Russian initiative illegal: young Uzbeks, who attempt to serve in a foreign army, will lose their citizenship and might even face 10 years in prison.
Defense ministries of Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine threatened the potential candidates with similar sanctions, underlining that such military service violates the laws of respective states.
In Azerbaijan, a person who has not previously served in the national army cannot serve in the Russian army. And even if a citizen of Azerbaijan goes to serve in a foreign army, he/she must immediately return to the country in case of general mobilization.
According to the Belarus law On the status of the military, its citizens can serve only on the territory of the republic.
In contrast, the Kyrgyz Defense Ministry showed interest in sending its candidates to serve in the Russian army on contract basis. Moscow and Bishkek should sign a relevant agreement shortly.
The Tajik authorities also agreed to allow its citizens to serve at the Russian military base in Tajikistan. However, they are against the idea of contracting Tajik citizens for military service abroad.
CIS countries include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.
