Considered to be one among the richest hundred men in the world, the Uzbek-born billionaire Alisher Usmanov gave an interview to the Italian TV channel TGcom24 in Tashkent. Few years ago he announced his retirement from business and dedicated himself to charity. Sanctioned after the outbreak of the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he now refuses to be called an oligarch: "Whoever thinks that I am an oligarch, is just another ignorant"

“We met Alisher Usmanov, 69, considered among the 100 richest men in the world and is reportedly worth 19 billion dollars, in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. After living for years in Russia where he studied and made luck starting from the production of plastic bags, Usmanov returned to the country where he was born. He announced the retreat from business and is now essentially devoting himself to charity. Also in Italy, where for its donations in the artistic and cultural fields, he was awarded by President Sergio Mattarella the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and received honorary citizenship from the Municipality of Arzachena.

With the war in Ukraine, however, the Uzbek billionaire was included in the list of oligarchs linked to Putin and subjected to European sanctions. The Dilbar Yacht, estimated at 600 million euros, used by Usmanov, is under seizure in the port of Hamburg.

Mr. Usmanov, can you describe us the new Uzbekistan and the most important changes that have taken place in his country?

In my life I have known three Uzbekistans. The first is the country that was part of the Soviet Union and where I was born. Then, starting from 1991, independent Uzbekistan. While recently, in 2016, the new Uzbekistan was born. Since independence in 1991, in fact, in this region the power was taken by the former communist leaders, and both in the social system and in the economy reigned not to stagnation, as in the whole Soviet Union, but the most total degradation of the social, economic and nearly all spheres.

So it can be said that, after 30 years of independence, today's team led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is starting a colossal reorganization of the state's economic structure. An extraordinary reform program is underway aimed at restoring the normal functioning of the country's economy, to improve the well -being of citizens, and, above all, to allow Uzbekistan to reach a position of respect not only within the region, but also worldwide. In my opinion, this period is truly the sign of hope in a great future of the country. I see the greatest changes in the fact that the investment activities have had a great momentum, the country has opened up, and the new president Mirziyoyev managed to raise the soul of the people and free their hearts. Now he aims to push citizens to work in a modern way to build a new country.

You have made huge investments in different sectors in Uzbekistan. What other contribution would you like to make to the development of your homeland in the coming years?

To tell the truth, I don't like to talk about my contribution, even if, of course, I am among those who support the new president's reform program. As for the investments of the companies in which I was involved, we focused on the business activities of our holding. They are, above all, telecommunications and technological sector. In general, due to the sanctions, it is now very complicated, but I have not halted charity projects and I still try to work. Therefore, of course, I will put all my strength and resources to help Uzbekistan and be useful to my country. This is my great goal, for which I have left the management of business and even participation in many of my shareholders' projects. Uzbekistan, together with Kazakhstan, will be the true leader of Central Asia, which will become the locomotive for the development of this region in the direction determined by its citizens. And I am convinced that this country will be successful.

Mr. Usmanov, after the invasion of Ukraine, you were subjected to EU sanctions because you are considered an oligarch. Why do you refuse this definition?

Not only do I disagree, but I intended to dispute in this regard. I believe that those who made the decision to identify me as an oligarch have shown all their ignorance. Oligarchs are businessmen who make money with the help of power. First thing. Second, they are people who, gaining money, influence the authorities. It's not really my case. I have never received gifts from the authorities. In our holding everything we have done we did it at market conditions. Those people who, taking advantage of the first phase of capital development in Russia, received enormous resources at almost zero cost are defined as oligarchs. On the contrary, I acquired everything on a competitive basis.

Yes, I have assets, yes, I have recognition in Russia, yes, I am also a Russian citizen, but I live in the interest of my native country. I retired, I am engaged in charity, I receive dividends from my investments. What is the fault of a person who has declared all his income to the last penny?

Luckily in Italy at least they read the documents provided by our lawyers. In some European countries they don't want to read them anymore, but they arbitrarily tell you that you are guilty and that's it. And when it comes to imposing sanctions against my sisters, who have lived all their lives in Uzbekistan and have nothing to do with the Russian Federation, I don't accept it! Thank God, the European authorities have already revoked the sanctions to one of my sisters. The struggle, however, is still far from over. I hope justice will prevail, at least in court, even if I didn't want and I don't want a trial. And I will love Italy whatever happens.

How do you defend from the accusation of having close ties with Putin?

Well, you see, this question is the second part of the accusation that I would not only be an oligarch, but the "favorite" oligarch of Putin. I have never had such ties. I lived in Russia over 35 years. During this period I made a long way as a young student to one of the most important and rich businessmen of the country for several years. Probably I was the first in the history of Russia to be elected president of an international sports organization (International Fencing Federation) which is under the patronage of the IOC.

While, I personally, my investment funds and our charity foundation donate hundreds of millions of dollars every year in philanthropic activities and donations, in cultural, sporting and scientific projects. And this recognition, I think I have earned it not only in Russia, but also in my homeland, in Uzbekistan, and in a country close to us: Kazakhstan. I have many friends and I seem to be treated with respect in these countries, in the Middle East and in Europe.

At the same time, whatever happens, you should not give up your life path and I will not do it. By the way, there is another thing that struck me. In our sporting organization, the International Fencing Federation, after the sanctions have been imposed on me, I had reason to be proud orld. I didn't even know ... over 100 countries six months ago wrote a petition to the president of the Olympic Committee asking to help me. What else can the meaning of life be, if not showing himself worthy of the trust of these people?

What do you think of the war in Ukraine?

As for the impressions of the war, as for everyone, at the beginning it is a shock. How not to be shocked by what is happening? In the 21st century, the war will benefit anyone in terms of humanity. But it's not my business, I'm not a politician, I don't want to do politics. And that's why I believe that any conflict should end up in peace and, more importantly, in a way without victims. Here's how I feel personally in this regard. I'm talking about me now.

Because, sooner or later, conflicts end, and the law and order will prevail, and I hope also in Europe. And everyone will understand it, I really hope so. But at the same time, I believe that the recognition that I have achieved all over the world (including Europe), make me hope that I have not lived my life in vain. And in the future I will try to help people, humanity, countries, including Uzbekistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan. And I will certainly try to do good to Italy, at least to the city of Arzachena, at least to the Sardinia Region.

You have a special relationship with Italy. When did it start and why do you like our country?

I emphasize that I love this country. Unlike some others who have lost this feeling with the adoption of sanctions. I have loved Italy since I was a child for songs and football. And after for fencing, which is already the third passion that binds me to Italy. It is the country of the best аутсукы in the world, starting with the Mangiarotti family, Montano and many others. Including contemporary ones: Vezzali and, of course, many other young winners today. I know them all well, except, of course, Mangiarotti. These people were for me the real myths of which we read in newspapers and books.

My greatest love is Sardinia. This region of Italy also preserves traces of the oriental populations. When I got there for the first time, I felt the spirit and special dignity of the people I see and feel in my homeland, in Uzbekistan. I am proud of the fact that many Italians I have known and with whom I have made friends have not given up on a person like Alisher Usmanov, on the contrary. I am grateful to everyone from the deep of my heart. It was another confirmation of the fact that Italians are true friends. When I learned that the mayor of Arzachena did not revoke my title as an honorary citizen, it touched me in the most lively deep of the heart, and I will always be, as long as I live, a citizen of Arzachena. I will do everything this city needs.