Russian MP calls for visa regime with Uzbekistan amid army recruitment dispute

"The Uzbek Consulate General in Kazan called on Uzbeks not to join the ranks of the Russian Army. But why didn’t they advise them to stop receiving maternity capital or other benefits? That’s allowed! But defending the country that feeds you is not. A visa regime! That’s the only solution. We don’t need such ‘citizens,’" Mironov wrote on social media.

Public Figures in Uzbekistan Respond

Mironov's remarks quickly drew criticism from prominent figures in Uzbekistan. Alisher Kadirov, the leader of the Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) Democratic Party, responded by asserting that Uzbeks earn their living through hard work, not by taking part in military conflicts.

"Mironov, his sons, sons-in-law, and grandsons should be the ones defending Russia. As far as I know, Russians, like Uzbeks, see defending their homeland as a sacred duty," Kadirov remarked.

Bobur Bekmurodov, a member of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis and the chairman of the Yuksalish Movement, defended the consulate's stance, stating that it is natural and just for the diplomatic mission to protect its citizens from actions that are illegal under Uzbek law. He warned that Mironov’s aggressive rhetoric could harm bilateral relations between the two nations.

"Our compatriots contribute to the Russian economy through their labor. Comparing social benefits to acts that endanger human lives is not only ignorant but also foolish," Bekmurodov said, pointing out that both countries have obligations under the 7th article of the "Treaty on Allied Relations" between Uzbekistan and Russia, which mandates the protection of citizens’ legal rights.

"Uzbekistan enforces its laws. The same should apply to you, Mr. Mironov," he added.

Concerns Over Diplomatic Relations

Rasul Kusherbayev, an advisor to Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology and a public activist, also weighed in on the situation, questioning whether Russian diplomatic missions would remain silent if Uzbekistan sent Russian citizens working within its borders to fight in foreign conflicts.

Kusherbayev warned that Mironov's call for a visa regime suggests that some Russian politicians view Uzbekistan as a dependent state. He further raised concerns that this incident could indicate an attempt by Russia to strain relations with Uzbekistan.

"If Russia imposes a visa regime, Uzbekistan could reciprocate," Kusherbayev stated, adding that many now see who should be added to Uzbekistan’s list of undesirable individuals.

Background and Context

The controversy stems from a statement made earlier by the Uzbek Consulate General in Kazan, which reminded citizens that Uzbekistan does not recognize dual citizenship unless officially renounced through a presidential decree. The consulate advised Uzbeks not to succumb to military propaganda and warned that all Uzbek citizens participating in foreign military conflicts would face legal consequences.

This is not the first time Sergey Mironov has made provocative statements about migration from Central Asia. He has previously called for a temporary moratorium on granting Russian citizenship to migrants from the region, citing national security concerns.