On November 27–28, 2025, Third-year International Relations student Ubaydullo Khujabekov took part in the international conference “Central Asia in a Changing World: Peace, Security and Conflict Dynamics” which took place in Almaty. The event was organized by the Centre for Research and Graduate Education of the Kazakh-German University in cooperation with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Representative Office in Kazakhstan (Astana).

U. Khujabekov was an active speaker in the panel “Migration, Local Governance & Human Security in Central Asia” where he presented his research titled “Recruitment of Uzbek Migrant Workers in Russia: Propaganda Tactics and Methods”.

His presentation explored the complex challenges faced by Central Asian labor migrants, with a focus on their recruitment into the war in Ukraine. Among the key findings and recommendations highlighted:

· Existing legislative and law-enforcement measures in Central Asia, although necessary, are insufficient in isolation. They must be complemented by ideological, social, and psychological support programs to prevent involvement in foreign armed conflicts and to support families remaining in the region;

·  Illegal labor migration remains a major driver of mercenary recruitment, largely due to low legal awareness among socially vulnerable youth;

·  While future geopolitical de-escalation may reduce risks, immediate proactive efforts are required to mitigate the negative impact of illegal migration;

·  The constant threat of deportation serves as a strong tool of pressure on migrants, pushing some to align their long-term future with Russia’s political and cultural sphere.

The presentation generated significant interest and discussion among conference participants, reaffirming the urgent need for coordinated regional and international action to protect Central Asian migrants from exploitation and recruitment into foreign conflicts.