Russian Without Russians: The Politics of Language in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan's Gen Z is tired of the Russian language's privileged status in the country. According to government statistics, approximately 2.1 percent of the country's 37.5 million people are ethnically Russian (less than 800,000). However, Russian is widespread both in the public and private sphere, especially in urban areas.
'I speak polnyy (fully) in Uzbek,' says 23-year-old Azizullo from Andijan, seemingly unaware that his sentence includes a Russian word. For most people in Uzbekistan, mixing Russian into everyday conversation is normal. 'A lot of things need to be removed – just completely erased. For example, all the Russian-language signs. I see it even in my own city, Andijan. There are still so many Russian signs on the streets. Even in places where only Uzbeks live and no Russians at all, you still find signs in Russian — like on barrier gates.'
Russians are not the only minority group in Uzbekistan, and they are no longer the largest. Of the 1.6 million Russians living in the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) in 1989, more than half left the country after the collapse of the Soviet Union. A formal census has not been conducted since then, but according to official estimates, around 84 percent of the population of Uzbekistan are ethnically Uzbek. The largest ethnic minority is Tajiks, who make up nearly 5 percent of the population (approximately 1.7 million people).
Uzbekistan is home to over 130 ethnicities and nationalities, yet, after Uzbek, Russian remains dominant in public life, sometimes among upper-class Uzbek families too. Those families are locally referred to as yevropozirovanniy or Europeanized. All government websites operate in Russian along with the state language, Uzbek, and sometimes English. Even state legislation in the national database is available in Uzbek and Russian and only sometimes in English. Almost all local mobile applications operate in Uzbek and Russian. Major local online news outlets in Uzbekistan – though privately owned – publish content primarily in Uzbek, Russian, and occasionally in English. While media outlets in other local languages such as Tajik, Karakalpak, and Kazakh do exist, they are limited to regional platforms and lack a national presence.
'The official state language is Uzbek, but if you don't speak Russian, it's hard to get a job in the public sector,' says Jakhongir, a 25 year old student from Khorazm who is himself a state employee. He sees the continued dominance of Russian as a lingering legacy of the Soviet era, when high-ranking officials – particularly party secretaries – were often ethnically Russian. In the Uzbek SSR, to make a career in the public sector, one needed to be fluent in Russian; knowing the language thus became a status symbol.
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Japan Times
3 hours ago
- Japan Times
China is quietly supplanting Russia as Cuba's main benefactor
Hours over rutted roads inland from Havana, the small Cuban city of Jatibonico is a snapshot of late 19th-century living, its streets crowded with horse-drawn carriages and lacking power much of the day and night. The town's decrepit sugar mill — once the country's largest — sits idle, lacking the parts, electricity and fuel it needs to operate. Two years ago a Russian company, Progress Agro, announced it would import machinery, fertilizer, and know-how to revitalize the mill, which once employed 2,000 people. "When are the (Russians) coming? That's all anybody talks about," said Carlos Tirado Pino, 58, a mill maintenance worker among the few to retain his post. Meanwhile, just outside town and out of sight, three bulldozers clear an abandoned cane field to prepare for the installation of a Chinese-financed solar park that will deliver 21 megawatts of electricity — one of 55 similarly sized such solar parks underwritten by China across Cuba this year. Cuba is in desperate need of help. Shortages of food, fuel and medicine, grueling hours-long blackouts and plunging tourism and exports — combined with renewed U.S. sanctions under the second Trump administration — have devastated its economy. A review of various sites on the ground suggests that where many of Russia's most recent promises have fizzled, China has discreetly stepped up to fill the void, pushing ahead with a number of critically timed projects aimed at helping Cuba salvage its economy. Cuba joined China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2018, and China has since invested in several strategic infrastructure projects on the island, including major projects in transportation, port infrastructure and telecoms, while Russia, mired in a war in Ukraine and leery of lending more money to crisis-racked Cuba, has faded as a historic partner. People ride bicycles in front of a cinema in downtown Jatibonico, Cuba, on May 21. | REUTERS "Russia's promises have always been bigger than its performance," said William LeoGrande, a professor of Latin American politics at American University. "If China is now stepping up its assistance in light of Cuba's desperate conditions, that could prove to be a real lifeline." Neither the Russian nor Chinese embassies in Havana responded to a request for comment. China delivers The solar park project positions China as a pivotal partner for Cuba at a time of nearly unprecedented crisis: the country's national grid has collapsed four times in the past year alone, leaving millions in the dark and shuttering schools and businesses. On February 21, Cuba inaugurated a solar park in Cotorro, outside the capital, in a ceremony that included China's ambassador to Havana, Hua Xin and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who lauded the project in a statement as a "collaboration from our sister Republic China." The fine print of the agreements between Russia and China and longtime ally Cuba remain largely confidential, making it difficult to discern how either country operates in Cuba, through private companies or via public financing and how the Cuban government might be repaying them. Since then, at least another eight have come online, according to grid operator UNE, churning out nearly 400 MW of sun-fueled energy together with existing parks — about a third of the mid-day deficit. A man walks near the 'Uruguay' sugar mill in Jatibonico, Cuba, on May 21. | REUTERS New Chinese-funded projects alone are expected to push that figure over 1,100 MW by the end of the year, according to official estimates, nearly covering the daytime shortfall and saving Cuba precious fuel to burn at night. Officials at the February event announced China was participating in a project to modernize Cuba's entire electrical grid, with 55 solar parks to be built in 2025, and another 37 by 2028, for a total of 2,000 MW — a massive undertaking that, when complete, would represent nearly two-thirds of present-day demand. The port of Mariel — Cuba's main shipping center just west of Havana — saw traffic from China begin to tick up in August of 2024, according to shipping data and two foreign businessmen who declined to give their names for this story. Ships arriving last year from Shanghai, Tianjin and other prominent Chinese ports carried solar panels, steel, tools and parts. The "kits" came complete with fuel for overland transport to assure the panels would make it to their destinations, the sources said. The arrival of Chinese ships is being felt across the Cuban countryside, as tractor trailers with Chinese markings rumble across pot-holed roads to reach far-flung destinations like Jatibonico. Truck driver Noel Gonzalez, who on a recent morning delivered a load of gravel fill to the solar park site on the city's outskirts, said he was both amazed and grateful for the Chinese diligence. "The Chinese (workers) come and periodically check every liter of petroleum, every route we take," Gonzalez said. Fulton Armstrong, a former U.S. National Intelligence Officer for Latin America, called China's investments a "big benefit" but warned they won't be enough to overcome the Trump administration's renewed sanctions on the island. People ride in a horse-drawn carriage in downtown Jatibonico, Cuba, on May 21. | REUTERS "Havana can't bank on either Russia or China coming in with magic pills," he said. "Only massive amounts of Chinese trade and assistance could pull the island through — and that just doesn't seem plausible." China's strategic investments in Cuba coincide with U.S. accusations that China is installing "spy bases' on the nearby Caribbean Island, though Cuba and China have denied the allegations. Russian roulette Two years ago, as Cuba's economy was still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. sanctions, Russia too was ready to lend a hand. In May 2023, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko arrived in Cuba for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the reopening of the island's largest steel mill, a project made possible thanks to $100 million in Russian financing, Cuban state-run media reported. Chernyshenko called the mill's reopening a "fine example of Russian-Cuban cooperation." The mill's plant director, Reinier Guillén, promised output of steel bars from the facility would soar to 62,000 metric tons in 2024. But Russia's investment did not translate into production. Cuba's statistics agency ONEI reported in April that the island had churned out just 4,200 metric tons of steel bars in 2024. On a recent weekday morning, the mill was quiet. A prominent smoke stack was idle, and no activity could be seen within the plant. Esperanza Perez, a lifelong local resident who works at a small bakery in a ramshackle development of shanties and crudely-built homes, many without electricity or water, said the mill had sat idle for months. A train passes by the 'Uruguay' sugar mill in Jatibonico, Cuba, on May 21. | REUTERS "Talk is cheap. When (the mill) is running, we hear the noise, see the workers, but I haven't seen any sign that it is operating," said the 37-year-old Perez. "We've seen no benefits here." Cuba's government did not reply to a request for comment on the discrepancy in output. But fuel and electricity generation shortages have affected industry across the island, crippling production. The day after the ribbon-cutting at the steel mill, Chernyshenko appeared with Diaz-Canel to sign at least eight agreements between Cuban state agencies and Russian state and private companies, according to a document obtained by Reuters summarizing those deals. The wide-ranging agreements included a deal to guarantee Cuba a supply of wheat for bread making, the opening of a well-stocked "Rusmarket" in Havana, the restoration of historic architecture in the capital's historic district and cooperation in artificial intelligence. There was even a bold plan to rebuild the crumbling Tarara residential beach community, whose coveted white sands and palm-fringed waterfront just minutes from Havana have been largely off-limits to foreign capital since 1959. But on a recent visit, most of the homes at Tarara appeared abandoned or in disrepair, with only a small number near the beach refurbished and no sign of Russian investment. At the community marina, a single boat, its bottom covered with slime, swayed at the dock, the harbor's entrance blocked by sediments and its waters stagnant. Plans to open the Rusmarket — initially celebrated as a foot in the door for Russian vendors and products — have been delayed for two years. The nearby Yumuri department store, where Russian investors planned to open a bigger shop in June or July stocked with everything from Russian auto parts to canned trout and children's toys, also appeared largely abandoned. A Russian agreement to restore the 19th century Santo Angel building in Havana's historic Plaza Vieja, in a nod to Cuba's rich architectural history, also appeared stalled. CGC Investments, the Russian firm that had inked many of the 2023 deals, was unable to be reached. Neither the Russian embassy nor its Foreign Ministry responded to a request for comment. To be sure, some of Russia's promised aid has come through. Russian state-backed companies have supplied cargos by sea of both wheat and oil to the island. And Russia, like China, has promoted tourism to the island, offering a bump in foreign visitors and much-needed foreign exchange. In May, two years after the 2023 flurry of announcements, Russia's Chernyshenko announced a plan to subsidize interest rates for businesses interested in investing as much as $1 billion on the island, calling Cuba a "reliable partner." "There's still a lot of hard work to be done, we'll advance little by little,' Chernyshenko told reporters in Moscow, adding that "it is impossible to achieve things immediately, as if by magic.'
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 hours ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Trump, Zelenskiy Discuss Weapons and Escalating Russian Strikes
KYIV/WASHINGTON, July 4 (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he discussed air defenses in a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday, and agreed to work on increasing Kyiv's capability to 'defend the sky' as Russian attacks escalate. He added in a message on Telegram that he discussed joint defense production, as well as joint purchases and investments with the U.S. leader. Ukraine has been asking Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems that it sees as key to defending its cities from intensifying Russian air strikes. A decision by Washington to halt some shipments of weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv that the move would weaken its ability to defend against Russia's airstrikes and battlefield advances. Germany said it is in talks on buying Patriot air defense systems to bridge the gap. One source briefed on the call told Reuters they were optimistic that supplies of Patriot missiles could resume after what they called a 'very good' conversation between the presidents. U.S. outlet Axios reported, citing unnamed sources, that the call lasted around 40 minutes, and that Trump told Zelenskiy he would check what U.S. weapons due to be sent to Ukraine, if any, had been put on hold. Zelenskiy, speaking later in his nightly video address, said he and Trump had agreed to 'arrange a meeting between our teams to strengthen air defenses. 'We had a very detailed discussion on joint production. We need it, America needs it.' The conversation came a day after Trump said he had a disappointing call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia pummeled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war across the capital, hours after Trump's conversation with Putin on Thursday. Zelenskiy called the attack 'deliberately massive and cynical.' Trump spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, according to Spiegel magazine, citing government sources. The two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, including strengthening its air defenses, as well as trade issues, Spiegel reported on Friday. Kyiv had previously received Patriot batteries and ammunition from the U.S. in the form of aid under President Joe Biden. Trump criticized him for sending weapons to Ukraine without getting anything in return, and since taking office has overseen a dramatic shake-up of relations with Kyiv.
Yomiuri Shimbun
4 hours ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Russia Launches Largest Missile and Drone Barrage on Kyiv since War in Ukraine Began
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Waves of drones and missiles targeted Kyiv overnight in the largest aerial assault since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began more than three years ago, officials said Friday, amid a renewed Russian push to capture more of its neighbor's land. Hours after the barrage that killed one person and wounded at least 26 others, including a child, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had a 'very important and productive' phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders discussed how Ukrainian air defenses might be strengthened, possible joint weapons production between the U.S. and Ukraine, and broader U.S-led efforts to end the war with Russia, according to a statement by Zelenksyy. The U.S. has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles. Ukraine's main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelenskyy says plans are afoot to build up Ukraine's domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the call. The seven-hour bombardment of Kyiv caused severe damage across multiple districts of the capital in a seven-hour onslaught, authorities said. Blasts lit up the night sky and echoed across the city as air raid sirens wailed. The blue lights of emergency vehicles reflected off high-rise buildings, and debris blocked city streets. 'It was a harsh, sleepless night,' Zelenskyy said. Russia has been stepping up its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities. Less than a week ago, Russia launched what was then the largest aerial assault of the war. That strategy has coincided with a concerted Russian effort to break through parts of the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, where Ukrainian troops are under severe pressure. Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine during the night, the country's air force said. The majority were Shahed drones, but Russia also launched 11 missiles in the attack. Alya Shahlai, a 23-year-old Kyiv wedding photographer, said that her home was destroyed in the attack. 'We were all in the (basement) shelter because it was so loud, staying home would have been suicidal,' she told The Associated Press. 'We went down 10 minutes before and then there was a loud explosion and the lights went out in the shelter, people were panicking.' Five ambulances were damaged while responding to calls, officials said, and emergency services removed more than 300 tons of rubble. Trump, Zelenskyy talks In Friday's call, Zelenskyy said he congratulated Trump and the American people on Independence Day and thanked the United States for its continued support. They discussed a possible future meeting between their teams to explore ways of enhancing Ukraine's protection against air attacks, Zelenskyy said. He added that they talked in detail about defense industry capabilities and direct joint projects with the U.S., particularly in drone technology. They also exchanged views on mutual procurement, investment, and diplomatic cooperation with international partners, Zelenskyy said. Peace efforts have been fruitless so far. Recent direct peace talks have led only to sporadic exchanges of prisoners of war, wounded troops and the bodies of fallen soldiers. No date has been set for further negotiations. Ukrainian officials and the Russian Defense Ministry said another prisoner swap took place Friday, though neither side said how many soldiers were involved. Zelenskyy said most of the Ukrainians had been in Russian captivity since 2022. The Ukrainian soldiers were classified as 'wounded and seriously ill.' 'I'm very disappointed' The attack on Kyiv began the same day a phone call took place between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Asked if he made any progress during his call with Putin on a deal to end the fighting in Ukraine, Trump said: 'No, I didn't make any progress with him today at all.' 'I'm very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin because I don't think he's there. I don't think he's looking to stop (the fighting), and that's too bad,' Trump said. According to Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign affairs adviser, the Russian leader emphasized that Moscow will seek to achieve its goals in Ukraine and remove the 'root causes' of the conflict. 'Russia will not back down from these goals,' Ushakov told reporters after the call. Russia's army crossed the border on Feb. 24, 2022, in an all-out invasion that Putin sought to justify by falsely saying it was needed to protect Russian-speaking civilians in eastern Ukraine and prevent the country from joining NATO. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called out Russian disinformation efforts. Constant buzzing of drones The Ukrainian response needs to be speedy as Russia escalates its aerial attacks. Russia launched 5,438 drones at Ukraine in June, a new monthly record, according to official data collated by The Associated Press. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said earlier this week that Russia also launched more than 330 missiles, including nearly 80 ballistic missiles, at Ukrainian towns and cities that month. Throughout the night, AP journalists in Kyiv heard the constant buzzing of drones overhead and the sound of explosions and intense machine gun fire as Ukrainian forces tried to intercept the aerial assault. 'Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv,' Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on social media platform X. 'One of the worst so far.' Ukraine's Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko described 'families running into metro stations, basements, underground parking garages, mass destruction in the heart of our capital.' 'What Kyiv endured last night, cannot be called anything but a deliberate act of terror,' she wrote on X. Kyiv was the primary target of the countrywide attack. At least 14 people were hospitalized, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Zelenskyy called the Kyiv attack 'cynical.' In Moscow, the Defense Ministry claimed its forces targeted factories producing drones and other military equipment in Kyiv. Russia strikes 5 Ukrainian regions Ukrainian air defenses shot down 270 targets, including two cruise missiles. Another 208 targets were lost from radar and presumed jammed. Russia successfully hit eight locations with nine missiles and 63 drones. Debris from intercepted drones fell across at least 33 sites. In addition to the capital, the Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Kyiv regions also sustained damage, Zelenskyy said. Emergency services reported damage in at least five of Kyiv's 10 districts.
