How does Uzbekistan view military action in Ukraine? What does the Russian press write?

Today, 21 March, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev had a telephone conversation with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. The Russian press is covering the case in the context of Tashkent's understanding of Moscow's military operations in Ukraine.

At 15:46 Moscow time, on 21 March, TASS news agency reported that the talks between the presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan were devoted to the situation in Ukraine. The agency quotes the Kremlin.
“The parties discussed topical issues of bilateral cooperation, including the implementation of the agreements reached during the visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Russia in November 2021. The Heads of States congratulated each other on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Uzbekistan. The two sides confirmed their mutual interest in further strengthening the strategic partnership and alliance relations and expanding mutually beneficial ties in the political, trade and economic, humanitarian and other fields.

Vladimir Putin explained the special military operation he planned to defend the Donbass republics. The President of Uzbekistan expressed understanding about the position and actions of the Russian side.
An agreement has been reached to continue contacts at various levels,-the Kremlin report said.

According to TASS, the talks were held at the invitation of the Uzbekistan side. Official Tashkent did not specify on whose invitation the talks were held.
At the beginning of the conversation, the Russian President sincerely congratulated Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the multinational Uzbekistan on the holiday of spring and renewal – Navruz and wished them prosperity and well-being.  However, the Kremlin’s report did not mention this.

The press service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported about the situation in Ukraine:

«They exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the situation around Ukraine».

It should be noted that on 25 February of the current year, there was a telephone conversation between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin and local media also reported that Uzbekistan understands the context of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. However, the press service of the President of Uzbekistan did not report this.

A few days later, the head of the President’s press service, Sherzod Asadov, told about the position of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the situation in Ukraine. In particular, he says:

“The President of Russia informed the President of Uzbekistan about the reasons and conditions for the decision to conduct a special military operation.
In turn, the Uzbekistan leader expressed the hope that the parties would find a mutually acceptable solution to the situation as soon as possible and would not allow it to deteriorate.
Our country has always had close and friendly relations with both Russia and Ukraine. We are interested in the peace, stability and sustainable development of our vast region. All disputes and disagreements should be settled only in accordance with international law».

The Foreign Affairs Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov said at the 24th plenary session of the Senate on March 17 that Uzbekistan would not recognize the independence of the People’s Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, controlled by separatists.

According to the Minister, the situation around Ukraine is of serious concern in Uzbekistan. The official Tashkent supports to resolve the situation peacefully and settle the conflict through political and diplomatic means. For that, military action and violence must cease immediately.

“Uzbekistan has historically had traditionally multifaceted relations with both the Russian Federation and Ukraine. And we will continue mutually beneficial cooperation with both countries based on our national interests”, – the Minister Kamilov said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan also met on March 18 with the heads of diplomatic missions of the EU and its member states, as well as the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States, to discuss the calm and neutral approach of Tashkent to this issue and a neutral position calling for a political and diplomatic solution.