April 23, 2024 — the so-called “head of the DPR” Denys Pushylin was present at the Russian delegation in Uzbekistan, where they visited the Chirchik chemical industrial park in the Tashkent region. This one raises a number of questions about its true purpose.
Chirchik Technopark is a purely Russian business project in Uzbekistan. It was created in 2021 through the mediation of the leaders of the Republic of Tatarstan, who conducted negotiations with the government of Uzbekistan. As an analog, they represented the technopolis “Khimgrad” (Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation). It operates as a free economic zone, offering residents significant benefits. Officially, it aims to stimulate the development of the chemical industry in Uzbekistan. The park’s construction began in 2022 and is part of the strategy of the Russian Federation to circumvent international sanctions. Particular objects of industry Russia is trying to locate in the countries of Central Asia, where they are positioned as residents. Using them as dummy companies, the Kremlin can continue to receive foreign currency income.
Having included the TOT of Donetsk region leader in the Russian delegation that visited a Russian industrial facility on the territory of Uzbekistan, the Kremlin is trying to start legalizing its representatives in the TOT. It is as if they are perceived as legitimate representatives of those “attached” to the territory of Russia, and the captured territories are accordingly legitimized.
On his mother’s side, this collaborator has roots in Uzbekistan. However, the calculation for a warm reception of such a “compatriot” failed. In all local mass media, there was no mention of the presence of Mr. Pushilin in the delegation, and the very fact of this event was presented in passing. At the same time, the news about this visit was presented as an exchange of experience and a potential opportunity to attract investments from Uzbekistan to the implementation of projects in the TOT. It is possible that the Russian delegation is also looking for ways to involve migrant workers for the implementation of these projects.
The Russian occupation administration actively promotes a “bright future” in the TOT of the Donetsk region, in particular, plans to create an eco-technopark on the basis of the destroyed Azovstal plant. Where it is planned to locate new factories and scientific centers. This project is part of a wider strategy of the occupiers aimed at promoting the “restoration” of the economy of the occupied territories and preserving the memory of what life was like in these settlements before the Russian occupation.
It is important to note that “Azovstal” is not just an industrial facility. It is a symbol of Ukrainian resistance to Russian aggression. Using the territory of the plant for the “eco-technopark” of the invaders will be another act of mocking the memory of the fallen defenders of Mariupol. The international community should condemn the plans of the occupiers regarding the “technopark” on Azovstal, as well as consider measures regarding such schemes of the aggressor’s circumvention of international sanctions.
The National Resistance Center calls for information about the actions of the invaders at the TOT and the appearance of groups of foreigners. Let’s preserve together the memory of the heroic defense of Mariupol.
