Asia-Plus: Последнее сообщение я останусь живым уроженец TJ Украина

Asia-Plus (Russian edition), 7 October 2025. The article reports on the death of 23-year-old Islomiddin Rakhmatov (Исломиддин Рахматов), a native of Tajikistan, fighting on Russia’s side in the war against Ukraine. The article reports on an interview with his widow Sumaya Saidova (Сумая Саидова), who returned to Tajikistan from Russia. According to the article, Rakhmatov was born in 2002 in Tajikistan, moved to Russia with his parents at age 9 and obtained Russian citizenship; he had three brothers and two sisters. The article reports that, per his widow, Rakhmatov studied at a military school and served in the Russian army, and “under the influence of a group” went to war. After signing a contract with Russia’s Defence Ministry, he was wounded in the leg and received 21 days of leave, during which he married Sumaya. The article quotes her account of joining him in Donetsk (Донецк), being sent back to Yuriev-Polsky (Юрьев-Польский), Vladimir region, on 11 September, and his final message on 15 September: “I’ll stay alive.” On 17 September, she was informed by a friend of his death; Russian authorities returned the body on 25 September after many appeals. The article reports her saying the body lacked both legs and one arm, the face was burned, and she identified him personally; he was buried in Yuriev-Polsky on 26 September. The article quotes her saying a Telegram group used religious beliefs to deceive and induce men to sign contracts with the Russian army, and that Islomiddin was invited by a friend. The article reports that a friend of her husband, also a Tajik native, died and only his arm was recovered; Sumaya is pregnant. The article cites Tajik Prosecutor General Habibullo Vohidzoda (Хабибулло Вохидзода) stating no Tajik citizen has been prosecuted for participation in hostilities in Ukraine, citing dual citizenship. It cites the Khochu Zhit project (930 Tajik citizens, at least 200 killed) and a BBC / Mediazona (Медиазона) joint investigation reporting 72 Tajik citizens killed on the Russian side. It also cites Russia’s Investigative Committee data (June 2024) that over 10,000 labour migrants who received Russian citizenship were sent to fight in Ukraine.