Gubkin University’s Tashkent branch denies war propaganda after student’s letter goes public

On April 13, Meduza published a letter in its regular column “The War Through Students’ Eyes”, purportedly written by a student from Uzbekistan. The letter was attributed to a student named Muhidjon, said to be studying at the Tashkent branch of Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas.

Below is the full text of the student's letter as published:

"I am a student at Gubkin University’s Tashkent branch. To be honest, I was terrified when the war began. Previously, there was already talk about Lenin and 'great Russian chauvinism' in our classes, and I used to think it was exaggerated — but now I see it’s real.

"My family holds fond memories of Ukraine. My grandmother and grandfather used to tell me stories of their youth spent in Yalta and Odesa. When my grandmother saw the bombing videos, she broke into tears.

"The war has affected even us, the younger generation of Uzbek citizens. Now, every week at our university, we have lectures where an older-generation speaker tells us about the 'Special Military Operation' (the term used in Russia instead of 'war') and the bravery of Russian troops.

"I still remember the words of a representative from the Center for Religious Affairs: 'As a bearer of ancient Orthodox Russian culture, I affirm that the Russian Federation’s forces are fighting against Satanists.'

"This is nonsense. It’s absurd. What does the war in Ukraine have to do with us — the youth of independent Uzbekistan?

"I actively support Ukraine, and so do my friends. We are all against this criminal, immoral war. Any person of sound mind is always against war and violence. I sincerely believe Ukraine must defend its freedom and independence.

"We are not blinded by illusions. And if Ukraine is defeated, we understand full well that we, too, may one day have to defend our own freedom and independence — with arms in hand," the letter reads.

On April 14, the Tashkent branch of Gubkin University issued a statement regarding the letter.

It stated that an internal review had been conducted and confirmed that the individual named in the letter is not among the university’s enrolled students.

"The claims made in the letter about 'propaganda in classes' have been found to be baseless and inaccurate. Educational activities at the branch are conducted strictly in accordance with the approved curriculum and subject syllabi," the statement read.

The administration added that it is always open to cooperation with the media, and urged journalists and members of the public not to disseminate unverified or one-sided information, encouraging them instead to rely on official sources.