Uzbekistan is probing over 1,110 of its citizens suspected of joining the Russian military to fight in Ukraine, the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said, according to local outlet Gazeta.uz.
If confirmed, these individuals could face serious legal consequences upon returning home.
“Appropriate measures will be taken once these individuals return home if the information is confirmed,” the ministry said in a statement.
The probe follows reports by a Ukrainian military intelligence project titled, “I Want to Live,” which helps Russian soldiers surrender. The project recently published names of Uzbek nationals reportedly fighting for Russia.
Uzbek legislation prohibits its citizens from fighting in foreign wars.
Authorities say those found guilty could face up to 10 years in prison, even if they also hold Russian citizenship. The government in Tashkent doesn’t recognize dual citizenship, meaning anyone who secretly holds Russian citizenship is violating Uzbek law.
“Participation in combat operations abroad is banned under the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Relevant measures will be taken,” Uzbekistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
Officials noted that Uzbek citizens are regularly warned against joining any military conflicts outside the country.
Tashkent has formally requested clarification and confirmation from Ukraine regarding its citizens allegedly fighting on Russia’s side.
This issue highlights a growing concern across Central Asia. As Russia faces mounting losses in Ukraine that are approaching 1 million killed, wounded, or missing, Moscow has increasingly turned to foreign nationals to fill its ranks – enticed by promises of fast-tracked Russian citizenship and large cash incentives.
Many of the recruits are Central Asian migrant workers who already have jobs in Russia.
The war mongering country’s manpower shortage especially became visible early this year, while other Central Asian countries are pushing back, notably Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. They caution that any military role their citizens play in the Russo-Ukrainian war would threaten their neutral stance.
Moscow has avoided declaring a new wave of mobilization, aware of the war’s unpopularity at home.
While Uzbekistan’s investigation is ongoing, authorities in Kyrgyzstan have already exposed the recruitment of citizens by staff from the Russian cultural center “Russian House” in the capital city of Bishkek. Kazakhstan has also opened its own investigation into the recruitment of its nationals.
Despite the financial appeal of Russia’s offers to some migrant workers, officials in Tashkent, Bishkek and Astana have made it clear: participation in foreign military operations is a criminal act and strict punishment will be meted out.
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