Official Tashkent is investigating claims of Uzbeks recruited into the Russian army

Uzbekistan's competent authorities have begun investigating claims that 1,110 Uzbek citizens have signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces to fight in the war against Ukraine. The information was initially published by the "I Want to Live" project, organized with the support of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and the Main Intelligence Directorate. Ahror Burkhonov, a spokesman for the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the investigation is underway.

For context, Article 154 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan stipulates that recruiting an individual to participate in an armed conflict or military operations in a foreign state, for material or other personal gain, is punishable by imprisonment for a term of 5 to 10 years. It also outlines that recruiting, training, financing, or providing other support to mercenaries, as well as their use in military operations, is punishable by imprisonment for 7 to 12 years.

Additionally, Article 1541 of the Criminal Code addresses the recruitment of Uzbek citizens into foreign military service, police, security, or similar bodies. It specifies that such recruitment is punishable by a fine of up to 300 times the basic calculation amount (112.5 million sums) or up to 3 years of correctional labor. Recruitment into service can lead to imprisonment for up to 5 years.

As the investigation continues, Uzbek authorities will assess the validity of the claims and take appropriate legal action in accordance with the country's laws.