Uzbekistan calls for dialogue and restraint in Russia–Ukraine war

Tashkent welcomed the positive momentum observed in the negotiation process aimed at resolving the conflict between the two countries, as well as efforts to restore dialogue.

The ministry emphasized that it is essential to pursue mutually acceptable solutions through negotiations, maintain dialogue, and refrain from any actions that could further escalate tensions. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its support for all constructive initiatives that contribute to peace, stability, and a long-term resolution.

Uzbek nationals who fought against Ukraine

On October 15, the Pop District Criminal Court convicted a 50-year-old man from Namangan for participating in combat operations as part of the Russian Armed Forces. He had traveled to Russia in April 2025 in search of work and, in return for financial compensation, signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to serve as a private. After undergoing short-term training in Luhansk, he was deployed to a combat zone in Ukraine.

Earlier, on October 5, it was reported that another man from Namangan who took part in the war against Ukraine had been sentenced to two years in prison. He traveled to Russia via Kyrgyzstan in June 2023 for seasonal work. After working briefly in Russia, he applied to the Federal Migration Service for a work patent. However, officials reportedly told him that a patent would not be issued, but that if he signed a contract to participate in the war, he would be granted Russian citizenship and allowed to work in the country.

In addition, a court in Jizzakh handed down a verdict against an Uzbek national who took part in Russia’s military operations against Ukraine. The defendant traveled to Russia in 2023 to earn money but later, motivated by financial gain, signed a military service contract in Samara Region. He participated for one year in armed clashes and military operations in the temporarily occupied Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine.

Uzbek nationals killed in the war

It has been reported that 481 citizens of Uzbekistan who fought against Ukraine as part of the Russian army have been killed. The number of those killed and missing may be several times higher. The identities of those killed were verified by the “Khochu zhit” project.

The names of at least 2,715 Uzbek citizens who have fought or are currently fighting against Ukraine have been published. The number has been increasing year by year. In 2023, 498 Uzbek nationals signed contracts with the Russian army, followed by another 941 in 2024. In the first half of 2025 alone, nearly 1,300 citizens of Uzbekistan joined the war as part of the Russian armed forces.

Recruitment of Uzbek citizens into foreign military service is prohibited

Under Article 154 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, recruitment to participate in military hostilities is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Recruiting individuals for war, training them, and using them in military operations can result in imprisonment of up to 12 years.

According to Article 154-1 of the Criminal Code, Uzbek citizens who are recruited into the military service, security services, police, military justice bodies, or similar institutions of foreign states face imprisonment of up to five years.