The Armed Forces of Ukraine have recorded another case of a citizen of Turkmenistan surrendering after being recruited to participate in the war against Ukraine on the territory of the Russian Federation. According to Ukrainian soldiers, the man was detected using a thermal imaging camera, guided by a drone along a safe route, and then signaled his surrender. Despite the active combat zone, Ukrainian forces ceased fire, provided humanitarian assistance — including water and warming supplies — and ensured his safe evacuation to the rear. The captive was identified as Maksat Meredov Dovletmuradovich, born on March 24, 1980, a citizen of Turkmenistan. He stated that he signed a military contract on November 14, 2023, due to severe financial hardship, hoping to earn money to support himself and his family. This case once again demonstrates that citizens of Turkmenistan are increasingly being drawn into a foreign war not by choice, but as a result of economic desperation and the absence of state protection. The Human Rights Platform of the Civic Movement “DAYANÇ” has repeatedly appealed to the authorities of Turkmenistan to officially oppose the participation of citizens in armed conflicts abroad and to clarify the legal consequences of such involvement. However, to this day, no public position has been expressed by the country’s leadership. The economic crisis, lack of employment opportunities, and systemic human rights restrictions force thousands of Turkmen citizens to leave the country in search of work, primarily heading to the Russian Federation. Many are unable to obtain legal employment due to the absence of valid documents. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that Turkmen diplomatic missions abroad effectively refuse to issue or renew passports, depriving people of legal status and leaving them extremely vulnerable. Without documents, without lawful employment, and without protection from their own state, Turkmen citizens become easy targets for recruiters. They are threatened with deportation, bribed with money, promised Russian citizenship, or faced with an ultimatum — prison or the front line. We emphasize once again that the participation of Turkmen citizens in military operations abroad violates the Criminal Code of Turkmenistan and international law. The silence of the authorities not only fails to protect people but directly contributes to their involvement in this criminal war. The Human Rights Platform “DAYANÇ” expresses gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for their humane treatment of prisoners and for saving the life of a citizen of Turkmenistan. Even in wartime, such actions reflect respect for human dignity and international humanitarian norms. We also address all Turkmen citizens currently fighting against Ukraine: the Ukrainian humanitarian project “I Want to Live” offers a real opportunity to surrender safely and preserve your life. Once again, we demand that the authorities of Turkmenistan: — officially prohibit citizen participation in this war — issue a public statement condemning such involvement — send a formal protest note to the Russian Federation — end the practice of depriving citizens abroad of identity documents The state must protect its people — not push them into a deadly trap.
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