An interview with Hasanboy Burhanov, the founder of the political opposition movement “Erkin O’zbekiston” (Free Uzbekistan), by the Belarusian news portal Charter97.org, discussing the ongoing expansion of the Russian world in Uzbekistan.

— The spread of the “Russian world” ideology is a highly pressing issue today, though it is unfortunate that very few media outlets in the post-Soviet space pay adequate attention to it. This ideology is actively being propagated across Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan. Often, this occurs through “soft power” tactics, such as cultural or sporting events and educational cooperation. However, it is particularly important to highlight the military cooperation between Russian and Central Asian authorities, which has significantly intensified in recent years.

Lukashenko’s Role in the Expansion of the Russian World in Central Asia

Cooperation between the Belarusian and Uzbek security services is rapidly developing. In the context of combating dissent and opposition, the Belarusian security forces possess, so to speak, more advanced experience, which they are sharing with their Uzbek counterparts. Thus, the Lukashenko regime is actively participating in the expansion of the Russian world in our region, though this is being done in close collaboration with Russian security services.

In terms of technology, Belarus has significantly outpaced other post-Soviet countries, boasting highly skilled IT specialists. Naturally, the authoritarian regime of Lukashenko is leveraging this situation to suppress dissent and consolidate its power. The experience and methods of combating opposition, facilitated by Russian intelligence, are being integrated into other countries.

Efforts to Strengthen Military Cooperation Gain Momentum

This year, several high-ranking Belarusian military officials visited Uzbekistan, with reciprocal visits by Uzbek military officials to Belarus. During these visits, various agreements on military cooperation and other areas were signed. For example, IT specialists are being sent from Belarus to Uzbekistan to work with local security forces, training them in combatting political opponents and conducting information warfare.

It is also noteworthy that the Uzbek Minister of Defense attended the “Independence Parade” in Minsk this year. The parade featured not only Uzbek military personnel but also those from other Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Efforts to strengthen military cooperation by all means are gaining momentum, while Lukashenko himself continues to display a dismissive attitude toward his so-called partners. One example is his visit to Tashkent, where he arrived for an official meeting in a tracksuit accompanied by his dog. This gesture is a challenge to Central Asian countries, signaling that the “elder brothers,” Russia and Belarus, will pursue whatever policies they see fit. Lukashenko makes such contemptuous gestures, and the local dictators accept it, but if not for Putin’s backing, he would not dare to behave this way.

Kremlin Agents Are Now Operating Openly

Calls to make Russian the second official language not only in Uzbekistan but across Central Asia are becoming increasingly vocal. The First Deputy Director General of the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Abduqadyrov, openly urged for stronger regional cooperation among the five Central Asian states and for Russian to become an official language in these countries. Do you understand what is happening? Kremlin agents are now operating openly, as Russian authorities seek to expand their influence in the region through the Russian language.

While this “Russian world” is being imposed on neighboring countries, full-scale terror is unfolding in Russia itself when it comes to preserving the identities of national minorities. For example, the leader of the Uzbek diaspora in Moscow stated in an interview that the assimilation of national minorities with Russians is unacceptable, and that each nation should preserve its identity. Shortly afterward, he was criminally charged, ostensibly for criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Western World Must Understand Where This Is Leading

The spread of the “Russian world” is a serious threat, representing a fascist ideology that must be resisted. The Kremlin seeks to revive the Russian Empire, at least within the borders of 1991, which necessitates the annexation or occupation of neighboring countries.

Russian propaganda skillfully plays on people’s nostalgic sentiments, pushing them toward separatist actions, whether in Belarus, Ukraine, Central Asia, the Caucasus, or elsewhere. They propagate the narrative that Russians are being mistreated and living poorly, although this is not the case. This needs to be fought against not only at our level but globally. The Western world must understand where all of this is leading.

The Ideology of the “Russian World” Should Remain Within Its Own Borders

The global media agenda has recently focused primarily on Russian aggression in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Unfortunately, there is a certain information vacuum regarding the problem of “Russian world” propaganda in the post-Soviet space, which spreads through cultural cooperation and show business.

For example, a concert by Nikolai Rastorguyev, a staunch propagandist of this fascist Russian ideology, is planned in Uzbekistan this fall. This should not be allowed—Uzbekistan’s doors, and those of other countries, should be firmly closed to such tours. The ideology of the “Russian world” must remain within its own borders. Let them promote whatever they want within their country—that is their business—but the spread of such destructive ideas to other countries must be firmly curtailed.

The Kremlin is trying to impose this ideology not only in Central Asian countries but also in Europe. Russians are exploiting the achievements of democratic states to spread their aggressive policies beyond Russia’s borders. The international community must resist this.