Man Sentenced to Two Years in Namangan Region for Joining Russian Armed Forces Against Ukraine

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Namangan region, a court found a 55-year-old resident guilty of contracting with the Russian Ministry of Defense to participate in military operations against Ukraine.

The man was sentenced to two years in prison under the article on “mercenary activity.” A copy of the court decision is available to Podrobno.uz.

According to case materials, in June 2023 the man traveled to Russia for work and intended to obtain a work permit. He was offered a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense, with promises of citizenship and legal employment. In July 2023, he agreed and signed a one-year contract.

He served under the call sign “Ded” in Belgorod region, performing repairs on military equipment. He was not sent to the frontlines. For his service, he received a one-time payment of 700,000 rubles and a monthly salary. He was discharged in May 2024 due to health reasons and returned to Uzbekistan.

Later, his name appeared in the Ukrainian project “I Want to Live,” which publishes information on Uzbek citizens involved in the war. During the investigation, the accused admitted guilt, stating he joined the contract for financial reasons.

The court concluded that the man voluntarily enlisted in the armed forces of a foreign state and participated in an armed conflict.

The sentence was pronounced by Judge Shukhrat Khudayarov: two years of imprisonment under Part 1 of Article 154 (“mercenary activity”) of the Criminal Code.