Slavery claim for free people, Mirziyoyev congratulating Zelensky, Erdogan “punching” Netanyahu, Trump's secret plan for Gaza – a week full of intrigue

Uzbekistan is marking the 34th anniversary of its independence, while continuing to position itself as a key partner in Central Asia. The country’s population has now surpassed 38 million, and GDP is projected to reach $130 billion by the end of the year. Gold and foreign currency reserves have exceeded $48 billion for the first time in the nation’s history. Analysts say the economy is growing steadily at over six percent annually. Yet, amid these achievements, some voices continue to draw parallels with the Soviet era, colonial oppression, and authoritarian rule, suggesting Uzbekistan is overstepping its boundaries. In some corners, citizens of the free republic are still portrayed as subjugated. With this week’s events making headlines, we take a closer look at developments that range from national debates to international intrigue.

Mirziyoyev congratulated Zelensky. The Russian Foreign Ministry responded

Across the former Soviet Union, countries are celebrating their independence – a symbol of the end of oppression, the return of sovereignty, and the reclamation of national identity, language, religion, and culture. On August 24, Ukraine marked its Independence Day even as Russia’s invasion enters its third year. World leaders extended congratulations to Kyiv, including Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

While Mirziyoyev has sent such greetings to Ukraine before, this year’s message drew attention because it was not published on the Uzbek presidential website or official social media channels. Instead, it appeared on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s page on the social media platform X. A similar scenario occurred in 2022, when Mirziyoyev’s congratulations were posted only on the website of Uzbekistan’s embassy in Ukraine, not on official domestic channels, despite Russia’s invasion of Ukrainian territory already being underway.

“I sincerely congratulate you and the entire Ukrainian people on the occasion of the national holiday of Ukraine – Independence Day. I am confident that relations between our countries, based on the principles of traditional friendship and long-term cooperation, will continue to develop in the common interests of our peoples. Taking this opportunity, I wish you good health, family happiness, success in your responsible activities, and peace, security, and prosperity to the Ukrainian people,” Mirziyoyev’s letter stated.

Zelensky responded by expressing appreciation for Mirziyoyev’s stance: “I am confident that our countries will continue to develop fruitful cooperation for the sake of friendship and prosperity of Ukraine and Uzbekistan, strengthening bilateral relations. I highly appreciate your position on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and humanitarian initiatives for Ukrainian children to spend their holidays in Uzbekistan.”

Uzbekistan has consistently refused to recognize the annexation of Crimea. On March 17, 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion, then-Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov declared in a Senate session that Tashkent did not recognize the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics and reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Shortly afterward, Kamilov reportedly left for medical treatment abroad. Forty days later, the veteran diplomat, who had served as foreign minister twice – from 1994 to 2003 and again from 2012 to 2022 – resigned.

Similar tensions have emerged in other post-Soviet republics: whenever Russia is labeled an aggressor and Ukraine’s sovereignty is recognized, political backlash tends to follow.

Mirziyoyev’s latest congratulatory message to Kyiv did not go unnoticed in Moscow. His remarks at an August 18 conference titled “Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Europe: Cooperation for Common Development” – in which he called Azerbaijan a “strategic bridge” linking Central Asia and Europe – also drew attention. At a recent Russian Foreign Ministry briefing, spokesperson Maria Zakharova was asked about Mirziyoyev’s comments and his message to Zelensky.

“I would like to recall that the Republic of Uzbekistan is a sovereign state. It independently determines and conducts its foreign policy aimed, among other things, at comprehensively strengthening and developing good-neighborly and constructive relations with its near and distant neighbors,” Zakharova said. 

She emphasized that Russia values its ties with Uzbekistan, noting their cooperation through the CIS, SCO, UN, and EAEU, describing relations as friendly, mutually beneficial, and grounded in a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Frankly, it is hard to believe that such a question was genuinely raised at the briefing. Who would dare challenge the right of an independent head of state to congratulate another sovereign leader on Independence Day or to deliver a keynote address at an international event? Which reporter would even care enough to ask? Still, Zakharova, who is known for her frequent criticism of Uzbekistan, at least remembered this time to acknowledge the country’s sovereignty and freedom to pursue partnerships with any nation it chooses. That is a rare concession from a diplomat who has made a habit of interfering in Uzbekistan’s affairs – and likely won’t hesitate to do so again in the near future.

Uzbek man insulted in Russia

In Russia, an Uzbek man was verbally abused and told, “You are a slave of the Russians.” A video of the incident went viral on social media late last week and continues to spark outrage.

The altercation took place in the Solnechnaya Sistema residential complex in Khimki, Moscow Region. According to available information, the aggressor—a Russian national—harassed a taxi driver named Bakhtiyor, who had moved to Russia to support his children and family. Reportedly intoxicated, the man insulted the driver, who had stopped in front of the building to drop off a passenger. Refusing to be provoked, Bakhtiyor responded calmly. The assailant first brandished a document showing he had participated in the “special military operation” in Ukraine, seemingly to justify his behavior. He then pulled out a knife and pointed it at the driver. In the video, Bakhtiyor can be heard saying calmly, “Put your knife away.”

Neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the Migration Agency has commented on the incident. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, known for weighing in on minor issues in Uzbekistan, has remained silent on this episode of blatant nationalism, aggression, and lawlessness by a Russian citizen against a foreign national.

Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, who held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier this week, also did not raise the incident with his counterpart.

Earlier this week, QALAMPIR.UZ contacted Uzbek Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahror Burhonov for comment. Burhonov said there was no official confirmation that the man in the viral video was an Uzbek citizen and noted that no complaints had been filed with Uzbek diplomatic missions or law enforcement agencies in Russia.

Shortly after, the Foreign Ministry released a statement emphasizing that Uzbekistan guarantees protection of its citizens abroad.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that, based on the Constitution of Uzbekistan, national laws, and generally recognized principles and norms of international law, citizens of Uzbekistan are protected by the state regardless of where they are in the world.

If citizens’ rights, freedoms, legitimate interests, or dignity are violated abroad, they must immediately contact the competent law enforcement agencies of the host country. Citizens can also contact diplomatic missions or consular institutions of Uzbekistan for legal and consular assistance,” Burhonov said.

While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration Agency, and Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions in Russia have not confirmed the victim’s identity or citizenship, activists independently tracked down the man, confirmed that he is an Uzbek citizen, and even interviewed him. Bakhtiyor confirmed his identity and shared his experience.

This incident is not isolated. Migrants in Russia have long faced insults, abuse, and humiliation. In many previous cases, mistreatment was carried out not only by individuals but also by law enforcement, with migrants subjected to degrading treatment and surveillance. In a country where the state itself often disregards human dignity, even invading private spaces under the pretext of “special operations,” such behavior by citizens is unsurprising.

The humiliation of migrants is not only an attack on individuals but also a stain on an entire nation’s dignity. This should serve as a wake-up call for serious government action and a reassessment of relations. It is difficult to ignore the timing of the insult, delivered with the claim that Uzbeks are “slaves,” occurring just days before Uzbekistan’s Independence Day. Whether this was a spontaneous provocation or part of a larger scheme remains unclear, but what is clear is the urgent need for national unity, awareness, and resilience. Instead of passively complaining or attacking one another online, it is time for society to come together, confront these injustices, and rise above them.

Andijan brawl. Internal Affairs officer stands by as a spectator

Videos circulating on social media show a violent brawl in the Asaka district of Andijan region, in which two men were severely beaten. In the footage, attackers are seen repeatedly punching and kicking victims lying unconscious on the ground, despite attempts by bystanders to intervene. The assailants also filmed the incident themselves. The video further shows a person in the uniform of an Internal Affairs officer present at the scene, but he did not attempt to stop the attack.

The Andijan Regional Internal Affairs Department issued a statement confirming that the incident occurred on June 8. According to the statement, a 22-year-old resident of Asaka district, along with two accomplices aged 20 and 21, disturbed the peace in the Qadriyat neighborhood at around 4:30 a.m. A confrontation broke out, and the group assaulted a 19-year-old, causing what authorities described as “minor injuries,” while another victim, aged 26, sustained “moderate injuries.”

However, the severity of the victims’ injuries as seen in the video appears inconsistent with the official description. The footage shows the victims covered in blood, lying unconscious, and continuing to be beaten and kicked while in that state.

Following the attack, a criminal case was opened the same day under Article 277, Part 3, Clause “g” of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code (Hooliganism). The suspects were detained, and the investigation was completed on July 8, with the indictment sent to court.

On August 27, the Asaka District Criminal Court sentenced all three defendants to three years of “restriction of freedom.” This sentence means they are only prohibited from leaving their homes during certain hours, such as after 10 p.m., raising concerns about the leniency of the punishment for such a brutal assault.

The Internal Affairs Department has not explained why the officer at the scene failed to intervene or what disciplinary measures, if any, were taken against him. QALAMPIR.UZ raised these questions to both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the regional department but has received no response.

Man brutally beats his children in Jizzakh

Nearly one million children are born in Uzbekistan every year. Once known for a culture of warmth and affection toward children, the country now sees a troubling number of cases of violence and abuse within families. Media reports of parents severely beating their own children have become alarmingly common.

In many other countries, such abuse often results in parents being stripped of custody or imprisoned. In Uzbekistan, however, perpetrators are often only subjected to “explanatory work.” Cases in which parents have been legally deprived of their rights after inflicting life-changing injuries on a child remain rare, despite frequent reports of abuse.

One recent case shocked the public after a video circulated online showing a father mercilessly beating and kicking his young daughter. The girl’s cries and pleas for him to stop were ignored as he repeatedly struck her head and body while verbally abusing her.

The incident occurred in Jizzakh region. QALAMPIR.UZ reported the case and sent the video and information to the Oliy Majlis Representative for Children’s Rights and the National Agency for Social Protection. Authorities responded swiftly, opening a criminal investigation and removing the children from the abusive environment.

The Jizzakh Regional Department of Internal Affairs initiated a criminal case under Article 110, Part 2, Clause “a” of the Criminal Code (Torture). The children were placed in a family orphanage and are now under state protection.

Officials stated that the abuse was linked to family circumstances: the children’s mother is currently working abroad. The National Agency for Social Protection is working to bring her back to Uzbekistan to reunite with her children.

The genocide continues in Gaza

The United Nations, increasingly seen as an ineffective organization, has again failed to uphold global order. It has been unable to hold Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine and now watches the Gaza conflict unfold largely as a bystander. Critics say the UN is reduced to issuing statements, including on the persecution of Muslims in Myanmar, while allowing the fate of billions to be influenced by a handful of powerful states. Despite growing skepticism, the organization continues to release high-level declarations.

More than 500 UN employees have appealed to High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Secretary-General António Guterres, urging the organization to recognize Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide.” The appeal argues that the scale and severity of Israel’s military campaign meet the definition of genocide under international law.

The petition warns that the UN’s failure to act could further damage its reputation. Signatories referenced the 1994 Rwandan genocide, during which the UN was widely criticized for inaction. The discontent, now coming from within the organization itself, underscores a crisis of confidence as the UN prepares for its 80th General Assembly session.

Responding to the appeal, Secretary-General António Guterres expressed support for examining the proposal but noted that an official genocide designation falls under the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Israel dismissed the allegations, with its Foreign Ministry calling them “baseless” and insisting that Israel is “defending itself.”

Several international organizations and independent UN experts have already described Israel’s military actions as genocide, though the UN itself has refrained from formally using the term. The ICJ has yet to rule on South Africa’s lawsuit accusing Israel of genocide.

While international institutions debate terminology, Gaza continues to face famine and mass civilian casualties. The death toll among children is rising daily. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military campaign, widely condemned as unlawful under international law, has killed an estimated 63,025 people, most of them women and children, and injured 159,490 others. Famine has become another deadly consequence of the Israeli blockade and bombardment, with 322 people—including 121 children—reported to have died from starvation.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump held a closed-door meeting on August 27 at the White House to discuss the war in Gaza and post-war planning. The meeting included former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former Middle East envoy.

Discussions reportedly focused on increasing humanitarian aid, long-term reconstruction plans, and broader regional strategy. Kushner, married to Ivanka Trump, was a senior Middle East adviser during Trump’s first term. Blair, who led Britain during the Iraq War, was widely criticized for his stance on Middle Eastern conflicts.

Trump campaigned on a promise to swiftly resolve the Gaza conflict, but seven months into his second term, the war remains ongoing. A ceasefire early in his presidency collapsed on March 18 after Israeli airstrikes killed an estimated 400 Palestinians.

Israeli media reported this week that Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, was also in Washington for consultations. Dermer’s close ties with Kushner and Blair have fueled speculation over Trump’s strategy, which some analysts believe could involve Gaza reconstruction coupled with incentives for Palestinians to leave their land. Details of the plan remain unclear.

Turkey has gone beyond condemnation to take concrete action against Israel. Ankara has suspended all economic and trade relations with Israel and closed its airspace to Israeli aircraft.

During an emergency session of parliament on August 29, Turkish lawmakers condemned Israel’s long-standing policies of occupation and annexation, which they said have escalated into genocide in Gaza over the past two years. The resolution called for prosecuting those responsible for genocide and other crimes in the Palestinian territories.

The resolution reaffirmed that a geographically united, independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders is the only path to a lasting peace. It also demanded an end to Israeli attacks on Muslim holy sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, and urged the suspension of Israel’s membership in the UN and other international organizations until it abandons its current policies.

Lawmakers also called on parliaments worldwide to sever military and trade relations with Israel, take immediate steps to lift the blockade on Gaza, reject Israeli policies in occupied territories, protect Palestinian rights, and preserve prospects for a two-state solution.

In Uzbekistan, the Palestinian issue has also taken center stage. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has repeatedly expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Israel’s attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the suffering of the Palestinian people. Since the escalation of violence, Uzbekistan has delivered multiple humanitarian aid packages, evacuated civilians, and adopted special measures to support Palestinians.

Speaking at a ceremony marking Uzbekistan’s 34th anniversary of independence, Mirziyoyev reaffirmed that the Palestinian people have a right to statehood, as recognized by UN resolutions. He highlighted Uzbekistan’s tradition of providing assistance to civilians caught in war and natural disasters, expressing confidence that the Uzbek people would actively support new initiatives to help Palestinians.