"Uzbekistanis are not to blame": The State Duma calls for an end to inciting xenophobia against migrants.

The Chairman of the State Duma Committee of the Russian Federation for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Leonid Kalashnikov, expressed concern that the masterminds behind the terrorist attack that resulted in the death of General Igor Kirillov of the Russian Armed Forces pursued two objectives: to eliminate a high-ranking military official and to provoke an increase in anti-migrant sentiments in Russia. The deputy emphasized that it is inappropriate to generalize and blame all Uzbeks for this incident.

Similarly, the first deputy chairman of the CIS committee, Konstantin Zatulin, issued a warning. He noted that the rising wave of xenophobia towards migrants in Russia could benefit those forces seeking to destabilize the situation in the country and undermine relations with Central Asian states.

“I suspect that individuals who build their political careers on anti-migrant sentiments will exploit the fact that the perpetrator was a citizen of Uzbekistan. This aims to harm our relations with Uzbekistan and once again stir up anti-migrant sentiments. The masterminds behind the terrorist act counted on such a reaction when they involved a citizen of Uzbekistan. I urge for a measured and rational response,” Zatulin cautioned.

Such incidents are often manipulated in political games to incite interethnic strife and destabilize the social situation. History provides numerous examples where isolated crimes were used to justify discrimination based on nationality.

In light of this, the deputies called on Russian citizens to remain calm and not to fall for provocations. It is important to remember that a significant number of migrants living in the country are law-abiding citizens who contribute greatly to the development of the Russian economy.