Zakhar Prilepin, a Russian writer, political and military figure, proposed joining the territories of Uzbekistan to the Russian Federation.
“The more Russians there are, the fewer problems we will have with migrants misbehaving in our country. Therefore, I support the idea of joining the territories of those countries, for example, Uzbekistan to the Russian Federation, and teaching them Russian there before they come here,” he said.
Commenting on the chauvinist Russian official’s statement Bobur Bekmurodov, chairman of the "Yuksalish" movement, noted that such views of Russian politicians undoubtedly increase the negative attitude towards their country among Uzbeks and the international community.
“Such statements are further weakening Russia’s ever-falling reputation. Russian politicians need to realize that aggressive mood and statements cannot win friends. Such negative claims will negatively affect relations between the two countries,” he said in a video message.
Bekmurodov warned Prilepin that such a claim would result in criminal liability under Article 159 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan (attacking the constitutional system of the Republic of Uzbekistan).
“Such claims promoted by Prilepin and other Russian politicians are nothing but an illusion. Whether someone likes it or not, Uzbekistan is an independent country with strong sovereignty.
Moreover, on behalf of the “Yuksalish” movement, which has nearly 60,000 members, I call on the Russian authorities to pay attention to such aggressive statements against the partner country and put a complete end to it,” he said.
It was added that with these words, Prilepin contradicted Article 79.1 of the Russian Constitution, which provides for peaceful coexistence with foreign countries and non-interference in their internal affairs.
