Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan issued a comment regarding a video circulating on social media, which contains offensive statements about the citizens of the republic.

In the video, a man compares migrants from Uzbekistan to dogs and calls them "paupers."

Press Secretary of the Ministry, Akhror Burkhanov, stated that the video is of a provocative nature.

"Before reacting, it is important to separate media narratives from diplomatic matters. Information surges often occur in the media due to various statements and events. However, they do not always accurately reflect reality, and sometimes they even distort it significantly," he emphasized.

The spokesperson also urged the media and bloggers to refrain from spreading unverified information, stressing that the ministry is open to cooperation.

"As for the video itself, regardless of the nationality of its author, such statements against our people are absolutely unacceptable. Uzbekistan has always defended and will continue to defend the rights, honor, and dignity of its citizens, wherever they are," Burkhanov declared.

He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan immediately contacted the Russian side through diplomatic channels as soon as the video appeared online. "In such cases, it is crucial to identify the original source and verify the authenticity of the material," he noted.

Burkhanov also emphasized that the Russian side expressed regret over the content of the video and acknowledged its provocative nature. Following an investigation, it was determined that the video was created by destructive forces aiming to sow discord between the two nations.

Additionally, the Russian side confirmed that the individual featured in the video is not a Russian citizen, which has already been officially verified by Russian media.

"We once again remind of the importance of a responsible approach to the distribution of information. It is unacceptable to circulate content from unverified sources," concluded Burkhanov.

The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has identified the individual responsible for the video, who presented himself as a Russian citizen while making chauvinistic statements about the Uzbek nation.

According to the FSB, the individual was identified as Nikolai Kochmarik, a native of the Mykolaiv region, who is currently in Ukraine and supports the Ukrainian Armed Forces.