Uzbek Citizen Sentenced for Fighting Alongside Russia Against Ukraine

A 39-year-old Uzbek man has been sentenced to four years and two months of house arrest by an Uzbek court for participating in the war against Ukraine on Russia’s side. The court’s decision took his voluntary surrender and cooperation with law enforcement into consideration.

According to Gazeta.uz, the individual traveled to Moscow in April 2023 in search of seasonal work. In June of the same year, he signed a contract with the Russian Armed Forces, lured by the promise of a high salary. He underwent two months of military training at a facility in Moscow before being deployed to Ukraine.

The man, identified as a resident of the Markhamat district in Uzbekistan, joined the Russian military with a promise of a monthly salary of 450,000 rubles (approximately $4,950). However, he received only two payments of 150,000 rubles each before the payments ceased.

From July to December 2023, he was actively involved in combat operations in the Ukrainian cities of Shakhtarsk and Bakhmut, and later in Luhansk. During his deployment, he admitted to killing over 10 Ukrainian servicemen.

In December 2023, after declining further military service in Russia, he returned to Uzbekistan. On December 31, he voluntarily surrendered to Uzbek law enforcement, presenting documents confirming his involvement in Russia’s military activities.

During the trial, the defendant expressed remorse, citing financial hardship and his role as the sole breadwinner for his family as motivations for his actions. The Andijan City Criminal Court found him guilty under Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code for mercenary activities and recruitment into foreign military service, which carry potential penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment.

Considering mitigating factors, including his lack of prior convictions, cooperation with authorities, family circumstances, and remorse, the court imposed a reduced sentence of restricted liberty.

Under the ruling, the man is prohibited from leaving his place of residence, except for work or educational purposes. He cannot change his place of residence without approval from the supervising authority or travel outside the Andijan region.