Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  A citizen of Uzbekistan has been convicted for participating in military actions in Ukraine.

On 4 November, the Kushtepa District Court for Criminal Cases in Ferghana Region issued a verdict against Alisher Khalikov, a citizen of Uzbekistan.

Khalikov went to Russia in May 2023 in search of work. Initially, he found employment as a baker, and later as a loader at the "Magnit" hypermarket; however, he was not paid in either job.

A conflict with his supervisor Akmal from the Surkhandarya region, who failed to pay him while he worked at "Magnit," led Khalikov to strike him. Following the incident, Akmal called the police, and Khalikov, along with his acquaintance Umid, was taken to the station.

The lawyer who arrived explained to Khalikov that he faced up to five years in prison for assault, but offered an alternative—participation in military actions in Ukraine. Wishing to avoid punishment, Khalikov agreed and signed a contract.

He and approximately 80 others were sent to the "Kamin’ka" military unit for training. Russian authorities credited 500,000 rubles to his bank card, from which he sent the majority to his wife, keeping only 100,000 for himself.

In January 2024, he was transferred to a training ground in the village of Maisky in the Belgorod region, where he was issued military uniforms, identification, a dog tag, and an AK-47. He underwent training in shooting and other military skills for three days.

On 4 February, Khalikov crossed the border into Ukraine to participate in combat in the self-proclaimed LPR. During the border crossing, their convoy was attacked by a Ukrainian drone, and Khalikov sustained injuries.

He awoke in a hospital in Moscow, where he received treatment for a month. The Russian Ministry of Defense also transferred him an additional 300,000 rubles. Soon after, having been declared unfit for further military action, he returned to St. Petersburg.

After three days in a dormitory at the "Magnit" hypermarket, his wife arrived with an internal biometric passport, suggesting he return to Uzbekistan. Khalikov flew home on July 4 from St. Petersburg to Tashkent.

In court, Khalikov pleaded guilty. The court classified his actions under part 1 of Article 154 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, relating to mercenarism, and sentenced him to five years in prison.