Authorities Probe Reports of 1,100 Uzbeks Recruited as Mercenaries in Ukraine War
Uzbekistan Investigates Citizens Allegedly Contracted by Russian Military in Ukraine
Uzbekistan’s government is undertaking an investigation involving 1,110 citizens who reportedly signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces to participate in combat operations in Ukraine. This initiative, confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), follows a list published by Ukraine’s "I Want to Live" project, aimed at encouraging Russian soldiers to surrender voluntarily.
MFA spokesperson Akhror Burkhanov highlighted that the investigation is a response to claims that Uzbek nationals have been involved in the ongoing conflict. "Participation in military actions outside the country is prohibited by national legislation. Appropriate measures will be taken," he stated, addressing potential consequences these citizens may face upon their return to Uzbekistan.
Ukraine has alleged that some of the individuals on the list might already possess Russian citizenship. In a clarification regarding whether dual citizenship could shield them from legal repercussions, Burkhanov confirmed that "dual citizenship is prohibited in Uzbekistan," asserting that having a foreign passport does not exempt these individuals from accountability.
The Uzbek government has consistently cautioned its citizens against engaging in foreign military operations, emphasizing that such activities are strictly forbidden. The Prosecutor General’s Office and the Ministry of Justice have reiterated that participation in armed conflicts on behalf of foreign states constitutes a criminal offense.
Under Article 154 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, mercenary activity—defined as participation in combat for personal gain—can lead to a prison sentence ranging from five to ten years. Additionally, Article 154-1 stipulates penalties for those who join foreign military or security services, including fines of up to 300 times the base calculation amount (approximately 112.5 million UZS), correctional labor, or imprisonment for up to five years.
As the investigation continues, Uzbekistan’s authorities remain vigilant about the adherence to national laws concerning military involvement abroad.
