Gubkin University in Tashkent denies promoting Russian invasion of Ukraine

Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, one of the Russian universities in Tashkent has reportedly been conducting chauvinistic propaganda regularly. This was reported to Meduza by a student of the Tashkent branch of Gubkin University, who identified himself as Muhidjon.

The student from the Tashkent branch of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas—established in Uzbekistan in 2007—told Meduza that since the invasion began, lectures at the university have expressed support for the Russian military's actions in Ukraine. According to him, weekly lectures by an elderly man often glorify the Russian army’s operations in Ukraine. In addition, he said the university frequently promotes positive remarks about Lenin’s legacy and "Great Russian chauvinism." While at first he assumed it was exaggerated rhetoric, over time he realized the propaganda was being presented seriously.

“To be honest, I was very scared when the war started. They kept talking about Lenin and 'Great Russian chauvinism.' I thought it was just an exaggeration. But now I realize this is real,” said Muhidjon. “We, the younger generation of Uzbekistan, are also affected by this war. Every week at university, we have lectures where an old man talks about himself and the brave troops of the Russian Federation.”

He recalled a quote from one university staff member at the Center for Religious Affairs:

“As a bearer of ancient Orthodox Russian culture, I emphasize that the troops of the Russian Federation are fighting against the Satanists.”

Muhidjon called this statement absurd and questioned its relevance for Uzbek youth:

“This is nonsense. What do we, the youth of independent Uzbekistan, have to do with the war in Ukraine?”

He added that his family has fond memories of Ukraine—his grandparents spent their youth in Yalta and Odesa. He said his grandmother cried when she saw footage of the ongoing fighting in Ukraine.

Muhidjon emphasized his moral opposition to the war and expressed strong support for Ukraine, calling the invasion a criminal and immoral act.

“I actively support Ukraine, and so do my friends. We are all against this criminal and immoral war. Anyone of sound mind should be against war and violence,” he said.

He concluded by expressing hope for Ukraine’s victory and warned that if Ukraine were defeated, other countries could soon face the same threat.

“We don’t have illusions. We understand clearly that if Ukraine is defeated, one day we too will have to defend our freedom and independence with weapons in hand,” wrote the student.

For context, the Tashkent branch of the I. M. Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas was established by a decree from the first President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, on January 12, 2007. The decree focused on improving the training of highly qualified personnel for the country’s oil, gas, and petrochemical industries and expanding international cooperation in higher education. Diplomas awarded by the branch are officially recognized as higher education credentials in Uzbekistan.

QALAMPIR.UZ reached out to Vladimir Ivanovich Fedulayev, Advisor to the Executive Director of the Tashkent branch and official responsible for the students’ social and spiritual environment, for a response to these claims. He stated that an official response would be released soon but did not personally comment on the reported propaganda.

Later, the university’s administration issued an official statement. According to them, the individual named in the appeal was not found in the student registry.

“It was determined that the person named in the appeal is not among the students of the Branch. It was also established that the information regarding ‘propaganda’ in the educational process, as described in the appeal, is baseless and does not reflect reality. The educational activities at the branch are conducted by the approved curriculum and academic standards,” the university's press service stated.