A 49-year-old resident of Namangan region was tried as a participant in the armed conflict in Ukraine. After participating in the fighting by signing a contract with the Russian armed forces, he voluntarily returned to Uzbekistan and approached law enforcement agencies.
The criminal court panel found this person guilty under Article 154 of the Criminal Code, that is, “Mercenary,” and sentenced him to three years and one month in prison. According to court documents, in April 2025, the criminal traveled to the Russian Federation and signed an official contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense.
After that, he was given the rank of private. He underwent short-term military training, was stationed in the Lugansk region, and sent to participate in combat operations in Ukraine.
In May, he was wounded by a mine explosion during one of the battles. After receiving treatment at a military hospital, he decided to return to Uzbekistan.
After returning to his homeland, he voluntarily contacted law enforcement authorities and submitted his service contract, personal military badge, and medical documents from the hospital. During the investigation, it was found that he had received a one-time cash reward of 1 million rubles for joining the Russian armed forces and participating in combat.
This court verdict is not unique. Previously, a similar case was recorded in the Jizzakh region.
A 49-year-old resident of Bahmal district signed a contract with the Russian defense authorities twice and was also sentenced to three years and one month in prison. It is considered a crime for citizens of Uzbekistan to participate in armed conflicts abroad.
