Another Uzbek Citizen Convicted of Mercenary Activities on Russia’s Side

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A 49-year-old resident of Bahmal district in Jizzakh region has been convicted in Uzbekistan for mercenary activities after participating in military operations on Russia’s side.

According to court materials, in May 2023, the man traveled to Russia seeking work. Facing a lack of jobs and delayed wages, he signed a one-year contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense.

From July 2023, he served as a driver in a military unit in Tolyatti, Samara region, underwent three months of military training, participated in live-fire exercises, and was later sent to Mirnoye, Luhansk region, where he delivered fuel, food, and clothing.

The defendant admitted serving in Luhansk and Donetsk as a private and driver but denied involvement in combat operations. In May 2024, he obtained Russian citizenship, bought an apartment in Kaluga, and worked in construction in Moscow.

Due to financial difficulties, in February 2025 he signed another contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense and was deployed to a naval unit in Sevastopol, where he performed drone security duties.

He later sought medical care in Moscow and, after recovery, returned to Uzbekistan, where he was arrested in Samarkand.

At trial, the defendant admitted to accidentally damaging his Uzbek passport and not formally renouncing Uzbek citizenship when acquiring Russian citizenship. He cited family hardships and financial need, expressed remorse, and requested leniency.

The Gallyaaral District Criminal Court found him guilty under Article 154 (Mercenary Activities) and Article 228(2)(a) (Forgery and Use of Documents) of the Uzbek Criminal Code and sentenced him to three years in prison.