"Seeking work, he found himself in a war": An Uzbek man sentenced for participating in combat operations in Ukraine.

A 40-year-old resident of the Andijan region was recruited into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Russia and participated in combat operations on the territory of Ukraine. The judicial proceedings concluded with a verdict based on the articles of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan.

According to the case materials, T.A., a native of the Marhamat district, traveled to Moscow in April 2023 in search of work. While engaged in seasonal labor, he met a Russian citizen who offered him the chance to sign a contract with the Russian army and participate in the so-called "special military operation." In return, he was promised a high salary and compensation in the event of injury.

T.A. underwent military training in Moscow and from July to December 2023 took part in battles in Shakhtarsk, Bakhmut, and Luhansk. According to the defendant, due to his successful completion of tasks, he was transferred to an intelligence unit. During the combat operations, he confessed to killing more than ten Ukrainian soldiers. However, despite the promised payments, he did not receive most of the money.

Upon returning to Uzbekistan on December 31, 2023, T.A. voluntarily approached law enforcement authorities and disclosed his involvement in the conflict.

The court found him guilty under articles 154 ("Mercenarism") and 154-1 ("Recruitment for military service in foreign security agencies") of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan. He was sentenced to a restriction of freedom for a period of 4 years and 2 months.