Is pro-Russian propaganda taking place at a Russian University in Tashkent?

Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a Russian university operating in Tashkent has reportedly engaged in periodic chauvinistic propaganda. This claim was made by a student at the Tashkent branch of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, who identified himself as Muhidjon in a message to Meduza.

The Tashkent branch of Gubkin University, established in 2007, has allegedly become a platform for pro-Russian narratives. According to the student, since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, weekly speeches at the university have expressed open support for Russia’s military actions. These speeches, often delivered by an elderly individual, reportedly glorify the Russian army’s involvement in the conflict. Positive references to Lenin’s legacy and what is described as “Great Russian chauvinism” are also frequently made.

"At first, I thought it was an exaggeration. But now I realize it’s serious," said the student. “When the war started, I was very scared. They always talked about Lenin and 'Great Russian chauvinism'. Every week, we hear lectures where an elderly man praises the brave troops of the Russian Federation. I still remember a statement by an employee of the Center for Religious Affairs who said, ‘As a bearer of ancient Orthodox Russian culture, I emphasize that the troops of the Russian Federation are fighting against the Satanists.’ This is nonsense. What do we, the youth of independent Uzbekistan, have to do with the war in Ukraine?”

Muhidjon shared that his family has warm memories of Ukraine, with his grandparents having spent their childhood in Yalta and Odessa. He said his grandmother was brought to tears after watching footage of the ongoing conflict.

The student expressed strong opposition to the war and said that he and his peers stand with Ukraine.

“We are all against this criminal and immoral war. People of sound mind are always against war and violence,” he stated.

He also warned of the broader implications if Ukraine fails to preserve its independence.

“If Ukraine is defeated, the time will come when others will also be forced to take up arms to defend the freedom and independence of their countries,” he wrote.

For context, the Tashkent branch of the Ivan Mikhailovich Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas was established in accordance with a 2007 presidential resolution issued by Islam Karimov. The university was intended to support the development of higher education in Uzbekistan’s oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors and to strengthen international cooperation. Diplomas issued by the Tashkent branch are officially recognized as higher education credentials in Uzbekistan.

In response to the allegations, QALAMPIR.UZ contacted Vladimir Ivanovich Fedulaev, Advisor to the Executive Director of the Tashkent branch of Gubkin University, who oversees the social and spiritual environment among students. He stated that an official response regarding the situation would be issued soon but did not personally comment on the allegations of aggressive propaganda spreading on social media.