In an interview with Online.UA, Abu Yunus, a volunteer sniper from a battalion named after Sheikh Mansur who is fighting on the side of the Armed Forces, talked about the influence of Russian propaganda and the attitude of his Turkmen compatriots toward the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine.
Points of attention
- Russian propaganda affects the Turkmen, who have forgotten their history due to the actions of the Soviet Union.
- In Turkmenistan, there is widespread support for Putin due to the lack of knowledge of the history and culture of his people.
- Abu Yunus emphasised the dominant role of Russian propaganda in Turkmenistan and the genocide that Russia has perpetrated in the country for centuries.
- The sniper of the volunteer battalion named after Sheikh Mansur emphasised the importance of studying one's history to preserve cultural heritage.
- Abu Yunus supported Ukraine, pointing out the absence of historical facts regarding Ukraine's aggressive actions against other nations.
Turkmen know about the Russo-Ukrainian war only from the words of Russian propaganda
They [Turkmen] know about what is happening [Russia's war against Ukraine — ed.] only from Russian propagandists. They tell me that you went there in vain. You defend Ukraine in vain. Russia will still win.
It is an immense power there [Russia — ed.]. The communists "seeded" it [that prejudice — ed.], and that's how it went for them. Well, the majority supports, the majority. Yes, the Putin's regime. Do you know why?
Abu Yunus
Sniper of the volunteer battalion named after Sheikh Mansur
Abu Yunus emphasised that the issue is the sincerity of the faith: many people call themselves Muslim, but they are not.
Here I speak about the faith. The first is faith in a person. Although they call themselves many as believers, I am not saying all, many call themselves Muslims, but they don't understand that there are also Muslims here, and people also live here. No one should, for example, insult or humiliate a person of another faith. Why do they close their eyes to this? Because there is no faith either. The main thing for them is not to be touched. They're Muslims just in words, and that's all.
Turkmens don't know their history because the USSR destroyed it
Volunteer Abu Yunus emphasised the terrible role of Russian propaganda and its influence on Turkmenistan.
Well, of course, first of all, Russian television (influences — ed.). Then, the road to Russia opens. Do you want to get to Ukraine? It is tough, but in Russia, it is easy.
According to Abu Yunus, there is enormous support for Putin in Turkmenistan.
80-90 percent [of support — ed.]. Why? Because they don't know their history. Because the Soviet Union destroyed the entire history of Turkmenistan, and people forgot how they were captured, killed, butchered, committed genocide [against them], and our Turkmen were destroyed.
They, not knowing their history, support and want to join Putin. Likewise, we were friendly in the Soviet Union. But he [Putin] does not understand that we are Turkmen. We have our history, culture, and faith. If everyone studied their history, no one would love [Russia—ed.].
Abu Yunus
Sniper of the volunteer battalion named after Sheikh Mansur
Abu Yunus is sure that Russia committed genocide of many people.
Genocide was committed to any nation [by Russia — ed.]. Well, to everyone. Take for example, Kazakhs, Turkmen, Tajiks. Ichkeria too. Any nation. Russia seeds war everywhere.
When a volunteer from Turkmenistan was asked why he supported Ukraine, Abu Yunus answered:
Show me one story that Ukraine attacked a country, occupied someone's territory, or committed genocide. Just show me!
