According to the Ukrainian project “I Want to Live”, Uzbekistan ranks first in the number of foreign prisoners of war currently held in Ukraine. This was reported in a publication dated July 30, 2025.
The project claims, citing sources within the Russian Armed Forces, that in 2025 alone, the Russian army recruited 902 citizens of Uzbekistan. Despite the fact that after the publication of a previous list of Uzbek mercenaries there were official checks and criminal cases opened in Uzbekistan against those participating in combat on Russia’s side, Russia continues to intensify its recruitment efforts.
According to the project, Russia uses the same methods as before. Citizens of Uzbekistan arriving in Russia as labor migrants are recruited under the guise of employment — particularly in the construction sector or in rear military units. Russian citizenship is also offered.
The project states that Uzbeks held in Russian prisons are subjected to threats and psychological pressure in order to force them to sign a military contract.
Special attention is given to a statement by the head of the Investigative Committee of Russia, Alexander Bastrykin. In one of his speeches, he said that more than 5,000 raids had been carried out, during which “90,000 people were rounded up.” Of those, 30,000 signed contracts and were sent to the combat zone. The project emphasizes that the word “rounded up” (otlovili) is a direct quote from Bastrykin, reflecting his attitude toward migrants from Central Asia.
“As a result, citizens of 33 countries are currently in Ukrainian captivity. Uzbekistan ranks first in the number of foreign prisoners of war,” the report says.
In addition, the publication mentions that on June 5, 2025, a delegation from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Defense made a non-public visit to the “Postoyalye Dvory” training ground in the Kursk region. According to the project, the delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Defense Colonel Alisher Norboev. A report on elements of combat training in the Leningrad Military District was presented to the delegation. The project expresses hope that the visit was purely formal and unrelated to the training of foreign mercenaries.
The project published a list of 902 citizens of Uzbekistan who signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces in 2025. The list includes full names, date of birth, military rank, dog tag number, and the date of contract signing.
I have already published several reports about the recruitment of Uzbeks into the Russian army and faced pressure after the release of one of the articles. Despite this, I believe it is essential to continue reporting on actions that endanger the lives of Uzbek citizens.