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We noted with surprise the official reactions from the Uzbek, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkmen, and Tajik sides regarding Russia’s fabricated "attack on Putin’s residence" – an event that lacks any empirical evidence and has been officially refuted by Ukraine. We believe that reacting to Russian fakes is beneath the dignity of these Central Asian states, with whom Ukraine seeks to develop friendly and pragmatic relations based on the principles of mutual respect and benefit. Such reactions also contradict the declared positions of these states in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, both of which are being violated by the aggressor state. We are particularly surprised by the expressed concern over a fictional attack on Putin’s palace, while these same countries have failed to react to Russia's frequent and very real strikes against civilians in Ukraine. Furthermore, the countries that have now spoken out against "attacks on state facilities" remained silent on September 7, 2025, when a Russian missile struck the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. We believe that attempts to play along with Russian propaganda – driven by short-term interests in their current relations with Russia – run counter to the centuries-long history and traditions of the Central Asian nations in their own struggle for independence and self-determination.