**Uzbek Citizen Captured by Ukrainian Troops in Lyman Sector**
In a recent development, soldiers from the 63rd Mechanized Brigade “Steel Lions” have apprehended an Uzbek citizen who was involved in a Russian assault on Ukrainian positions near the town of Lyman. The brigade announced this news on May 13.
This incident is not an isolated one. Russia has been actively recruiting foreigners and migrants to fight against Ukraine, with individuals from various countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and elsewhere ending up in Ukrainian captivity. The captured individual, identified as Umit, shared his story in an interrogation video published by the brigade.
**A Promise of Citizenship and Money**
According to Umit’s testimony, he agreed to serve in the Russian army in exchange for a promise of Russian citizenship after a year of service and a monetary reward of 2 million rubles ($25,000). He claimed that prior to joining the Russian military, he had no military experience and had not served in any army before participating in the war against Ukraine.
**A Battle Turned Sour**
Umit revealed that during his time with the Russian military, he was sent to assault Ukrainian positions. However, he was injured and lost his bearings during the battle. As a result, he ended up approaching Ukrainian forces directly, where he was captured.
**The Strategic Importance of Lyman**
The Lyman sector in northern Donetsk Oblast remains one of the most contested areas along the front line. Its strategic importance lies in its proximity to key transport routes and logistics corridors.
**Uzbekistan’s Stance on Ukraine**
Interestingly, at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Uzbekistan declared that it did not recognize the proxy authorities in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity. This stance is despite maintaining close political and economic ties with Russia, which signed a military strategic partnership program with the Central Asian country just this January.
**Foreign Nationals Fighting for Russia**
Ukraine’s military has previously captured two Chinese nationals who were fighting on behalf of Russia in the conflict. It was claimed that hundreds more are serving in the Russian Armed Forces. China initially denied any direct involvement but later stated it had urged its citizens to avoid armed conflicts.
Recently, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Kursk Oblast under the orders of leader Kim Jong-un. This revelation adds another layer to the complexities of Russia’s military recruitment efforts and the various countries’ stances on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
