The visit to Tashkent by Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oleksandr Mishchenko, which concluded last Thursday, 2 April, set out Kyiv’s clear position on the issue of foreign nationals’ involvement in the current hostilities. Following the meetings, the diplomat stated that the Ukrainian side was ready for targeted, bilateral cooperation with the authorities of our country on each identified case.
The main problem remains the recruitment of compatriots. Oleksandr Mishchenko emphasised that the mechanisms for involving foreigners in the armed conflict on Russia’s side are based on deception, blackmail and bribery, with the main incentive being promises of easy money. To counter such schemes, the Ukrainian authorities are calling for a strengthening of information campaigns within the country to protect young people from serious consequences.
Any foreigner who crosses the state border with a weapon in hand is automatically classified as a participant in the conflict. The Ukrainian side treats captured Uzbeks as prisoners of war, guaranteeing them appropriate humane treatment. The future fate of such individuals is determined exclusively by the relevant ministries and special services. The diplomat assured that full mutual understanding has been reached between the relevant agencies of the two states in this regard.
