Citizen of Uzbekistan faces trial in Russia for armed incident linked to Ukraine war

According to the investigation, Soliyev had already fought twice in Ukraine and was attempting to return for a third deployment when he visited the local branch of the “Defenders of the Fatherland” state fund in Perm, carrying a replica grenade. Soliyev admits to carrying the toy grenade but denies making any threats towards the staff of the state fund.

Soliyev, 35, claims to have been injured during his service in Ukraine, suffering from lung damage and leg injuries. His military ID, issued by the unrecognized Luhansk People's Republic (LPR), states that he served in the “People's Militia” of the LPR. As part of the criminal case, a copy of Soliyev's Uzbek passport was submitted to the court, though the original was reportedly destroyed during combat.

After being sent to Perm for rehabilitation from a hospital in Rostov-on-Don, Soliyev allegedly attempted to sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to return to the war. While awaiting responses from the military prosecutor’s office and commandant's office, he worked as a welder and lived in various temporary accommodations, including a dormitory and rented rooms.

Soliyev has been in custody since June 6, 2024, facing charges of serious criminal offenses. The investigation alleges that on June 6, a visibly intoxicated Soliyev entered the Perm branch of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund. During a conversation with fund employee Vladimir Nokhrin, Soliyev allegedly pulled out a green grenade replica that was indistinguishable from a real one. Fearing for the safety of himself and other staff, Nokhrin convinced Soliyev to meet with a psychologist in a separate room, where he again brandished the toy grenade. The third incident occurred outside, when Soliyev allegedly showed the replica grenade to the head of the fund, Konstantin Strogiy.

Soliyev is now facing charges of hooliganism, which includes gross disruption of public order and expressing blatant disrespect toward society, along with other related crimes. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison.