Namangan man jailed for joining Russian army in Ukraine war

According to the verdict, the Namangan Criminal Court examined the case of R.S., who had previously been convicted in Russia on drug-related charges. In 2021, R.S. traveled to Russia for work but was later found guilty of the illegal trafficking of psychotropic substances and sentenced to nine and a half years in prison.

While serving his sentence, representatives of Russia’s Ministry of Defense reportedly offered inmates, including R.S., the opportunity to sign military contracts in exchange for a pardon, financial compensation, and the prospect of Russian citizenship.

In January 2025, R.S. signed such a contract and was sent to a combat zone. After undergoing brief military training, he took part in hostilities in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, where he later sustained shrapnel wounds.

In March 2025, the man fled from a hospital where he was being treated, contacted the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Moscow, and subsequently returned to Uzbekistan.

The court established that R.S. was neither a citizen nor a serviceman of a party to the conflict and that he acted out of personal interest. Taking into account his full admission of guilt, expressed remorse, and the absence of aggravating circumstances, the court sentenced him to three years and six months of restricted freedom.