Tajikistan has rejected claims made by Nikolai Patrushev, the Secretary of the Russian Security Council, that Ukraine is recruiting mercenaries for its military in Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital. Patrushev’s allegations were reported by Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti.
In a statement made to RIA Novosti, Tajikistan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Shokhin Samadi labelled these claims as false. These allegations were a response to the supposed recruitment of Tajikistani citizens to join Ukraine’s International Legion by the Ukrainian embassy in Dushanbe. The International Legion comprises foreign fighters who have the chance to attain Ukrainian citizenship if they choose to remain in the country.
Samadi refuted these allegations, stating that there was no evidence to support them and reiterating that Tajikistan was taking proactive measures to prevent any infractions of diplomatic protocol within its borders, including any form of military recruitment. Citing Article 401 of the Tajikistan Criminal Code, it remains illegal to hire mercenaries to engage in foreign conflicts or for mercenaries to partake in foreign armed conflicts, with violations attracting up to 12 years in prison.
These allegations emerge at a time when diplomatic relations between Tajikistan and Russia are fraying due to the recent attack on the Crocus Music Hall near Moscow that resulted in60 fatalities and 110 injuries. ISIS claimed responsibility for this attack, stating that one of the alleged attackers, a Tajikistani who was arrested in Russia, had orchestrated the attack, while nine others were detained for inferred participation in Tajikistan.
Noteworthy in this saga is the allegation made by retired Russian Colonel Bakhtier Rakhmonov to RIA Novosti that the Ukrainian Embassy in Dushanbe was instrumental in recruiting the parties involved in the attack. However, Ukraine has vigorously dismissed having any role in the Crocus attack.
Though Tajikistan and Russia have historically enjoyed robust relations, they have come under increased stress due to Russia’s diminished support following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the recent Crocus Music Hall attacks, and Tajikistan’s enduring membership in the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
As per the original article, this ongoing saga adds another layer of complexity to the regional geopolitical landscape, indicating the potential for escalating tensions in what is already a highly volatile region.