A comment on this topic was made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
The diplomat recalled that Russia and Uzbekistan are linked by relations of comprehensive strategic partnership and alliance, "and this is not just a beautiful phrase."
"We are always ready to help each other, which has been repeatedly confirmed by deeds," she said, adding that attracting labor resources from friendly countries "meets the interests of both Russia and the states exporting such services."
Work is currently underway in Russia to bring such migration cooperation into an orderly manner, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.
"It is quite obvious that Zakhar Prilepin's statements are his personal opinion, which does not even remotely reflect the official position of the Russian Federation," she concluded.
On December 21, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry invited Russian Ambassador Oleg Malginov. The Russian diplomat was told that in Tashkent Prilepin's words were perceived with deep concern, they called such statements ill-considered. The Russian ambassador, for his part, said that Russia has never questioned the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uzbekistan.
Earlier, Zakhar Prilepin joined the "Putin Team". He expressed support for the nomination of Vladimir Putin for the presidency, and also called the desire to reach Kyiv the main thing in his political career.