Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 20 December, Russian politician, writer and member of “Putin’s Team” Zakhar Prilepin spoke at a conference at the Rossiya Segodnya press center, where he expressed his opinion about migrants and the annexation of new territories.

In his opinion, to solve the problem of problematic migrants, it is necessary to increase the birth rate in Russia and annex new territories, citing Uzbekistan as an example.

“I sincerely stand for those territories from where guest workers come to us, to join them and teach them the Russian language on the spot, so that not here, but in some Uzbekistan. “I’m not joking, I’m not playing the fool,” said Zakhar Prilepin.

He also proposed using the disavowal of the treaty on the collapse of the Soviet Union as a pretext for annexing the territories. “This will allow us to say at any time: “Since two million of your citizens are on our territory, we claim your territory. Because the majority are already here, and they even voted for it.” Who will forbid us to do something useful on Eurasian territory after the parade in Kyiv?” - added Zakhar Prilepin.

Reaction in Uzbekistan

Advisor to the Minister of Ecology Rasul Kusherbaev suggested that everyone who wanted to conquer Uzbekistan should “go to hell.”

He expressed alarm at the increasing number of such statements from Russian politicians and called for legal action in the Kremlin against “chauvinist politicians.”

Kusherbaev emphasized that Uzbeks can unite to maintain independence and expressed hope for the active intervention of the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this situation.

“Our Foreign Ministry should at least now wake up and send an official note on this matter,” added Rasul Kusherbaev.

Oliy Majlis deputy Inomjon Kudratov emphasized that statements like those of Zakhar Prilepin undermine friendship between countries.

He noted that such statements could create a negative perception in society and disrupt peace in Uzbekistan.

The deputy called on Zakhar Prilepin to respect the independence and sovereignty of Uzbekistan, emphasizing that the people of Uzbekistan are ready to defend their rights and protect state borders.

“Our people do not intend to give up the sacred right to independence. The population of Uzbekistan has enough strength and courage to defend sovereignty and protect state borders,” said Inomzhon Kudratov.

Bobur Bekmurodov, a deputy of the Oliy Majlis and the head of the Yuksalish movement, expressed dissatisfaction with the ideas and statements of Russian politicians about conquering territories and increasing the birth rate in Russia to solve problems with migrants.

He emphasized that such aggressive ideas are not only unacceptable, but can also worsen relations between countries.

Bekmurodov also warned that such statements violate the laws of Uzbekistan and Russia. He called on the Russian authorities to stop such statements.