Uzbekistan Citizen Sentenced for Joining Russian Army in Ukraine War
Uzbek Man Sentenced for Fighting in Russian Army in Ukraine
A 40-year-old man from Marhamat district has been sentenced for his participation in military operations as part of the Russian army in Ukraine. From July to December 2023, he fought in the cities of Shakhtarsk and Bakhmut, where he claimed to have killed more than ten Ukrainian soldiers. Due to his active involvement in combat, he was promoted to the Russian Armed Forces’ intelligence unit.
The man, identified as T.A., traveled to Moscow in April 2023 in search of work. After initially working temporary jobs, he signed a contract with the Russian Armed Forces on July 21, 2023, agreeing to take part in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Upon his return to Uzbekistan on December 31, 2023, he voluntarily approached law enforcement authorities and admitted to being recruited by the Russian military.
Details of the case were reviewed by Kun.uz, revealing that T.A. had been enticed into military service with the promise of a high salary and compensation in case of injury. He underwent military training near Moscow in June 2023, where he learned how to handle firearms. Despite his contract guaranteeing a monthly salary of 450,000 rubles, T.A. only received partial payments before the payments ceased entirely.
In court, T.A. elaborated on the recruitment process, stating that he was offered a substantial salary and additional compensation if injured by a Russian citizen named Igor Vladimovich while working at the ‘Navatek’ oil exchange in Moscow. He signed a contract in June 2023 and joined the Russian Armed Forces on July 21, participating in combat operations in Ukraine until November 2023.
After declining the opportunity to continue serving in the Russian military, T.A. returned to Uzbekistan and voluntarily reported his involvement to authorities. He was charged under Article 154 (mercenary activities) and Article 154-1 (serving in foreign military, security, or police forces) of the Uzbek Criminal Code, ultimately receiving a sentence of four years and two months of restricted freedom.
This case is not the first of its kind in Uzbekistan, as previously, a student who traveled to Moscow for studies was also convicted for involvement in foreign conflicts. The prosecution of individuals participating in foreign conflicts highlights the legal consequences faced by Uzbek citizens engaging in such activities.
