TASHKENT -- Uzbekistan says it does not recognize the pro-Russian separatist-controlled districts in Ukraine's Donbas, known as the Donetsk and Luhansk "people's republics," and has called for a "peaceful solution" to end Russia's unprovoked attack against Ukraine.
Speaking to Uzbek lawmakers on March 17, Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Komilov called for the two sides to resolve the conflict "by diplomatic means."
"Firstly, the military actions and violence must be stopped right away. The Republic of Uzbekistan recognizes Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We do not recognize the Luhansk and Donetsk republics," Komilov said, adding that his country had historic ties both with Ukraine and Russia.
"Taking into account its national interests, Uzbekistan will continue mutual cooperation with both countries," Komilov said.
Uzbekistan is the second country in Central Asia -- a region often allied with Russia -- to break ranks with Moscow over its unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
Earlier in March, Kazakhstan denied a request from Moscow to provide troops for the offensive in Ukraine and also stated that it did not recognize the Kremlin-backed separatist "republics" in Ukraine.
Komilov also said that the Uzbek government was working on ways to prevent any possible impact of international sanctions imposed on Russia in recent days on the Uzbek economy.
The United States, Canada, Britain, European Union member states, and some other countries have imposed several rounds of sanctions on Moscow after it launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
In Break With Moscow, Uzbeks Won't Recognize Separatist 'Republics' In Ukraine
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (right) and his Uzbek counterpart, Abdulaziz Komilov, hold a joint press conference following talks in Moscow in March 2021.