Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A court in Samarkand region has sentenced a citizen for participating in combat operations on the side of Russia in Ukraine.

According to the court ruling, the man had previously worked in Saint Petersburg and signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Russia in 2023.

After completing the necessary training, he went to the front lines and subsequently obtained Russian citizenship.

In October 2023, the man was injured and returned to Uzbekistan. Upon checking his phone, local authorities discovered evidence of his involvement in military operations for Russia.

During the court hearing, the defendant explained that he was attracted by promises of easy access to a Russian passport and assurances that he would not face any restrictions or loss of his Uzbek citizenship.

The Jambay District Court found the man guilty under part 1 of Article 154 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan (mercenary activities) and sentenced him to three years in a general-regime colony.