Experts argue that the tragic killing of 10-year-old Qobiljon Aliyev in the Moscow region is a direct result of the toxic combination of rising nationalism, state-driven xenophobic propaganda, and a societal environment increasingly hostile to migrants in Russia.
The brutal murder of Qobiljon, committed by a young Russian teenager on ethnic grounds, has drawn attention to the alarming rise in hate-driven violence in the country. Experts point out that the normalization of xenophobic rhetoric and the lack of consequences for such views are deeply intertwined with the rise of far-right movements and nationalism in Russia.
Deep roots of xenophobia in Russian society
Temur Umarov, a researcher at the Carnegie Moscow Center, suggests that the incident is not an isolated case, but part of a larger trend of radicalization among youth in Russia, exacerbated by social media and extremist content.
"These individuals are often influenced by a sense of injustice, with social media algorithms reinforcing these feelings and feeding them content that escalates their anger," he explains. "This creates a vicious cycle of radicalization, which is hard to control at the state level."
Umarov also notes that the hostile rhetoric at the highest levels of government trickles down to lower levels of society, where it manifests as real-world violence. "When hate speech becomes official language, it indirectly encourages others to adopt similar views. While the Russian state may not directly condone this violence, its actions and rhetoric contribute to the climate of intolerance," he says.
The expert also warns that Russian state propaganda is not explicitly aimed at inciting violence but at unifying the population against a common enemy—migrants. "This propaganda reinforces xenophobic attitudes and fuels nationalist movements, legitimizing hate in society," Umarov adds.
The role of state propaganda and politicians
Parviz Mullojonov, a Tajik political analyst, emphasizes that the growth of xenophobia in Russia has been systematically fueled by state media and political narratives.
He cites data showing a sharp rise in anti-migrant sentiments in Russian society, with public support for discriminatory policies increasing dramatically between 2014 and 2016. "The combination of state support and media-driven hate has had a profound impact, creating an environment where nationalism and xenophobia are normalized," Mullojonov explains.
Mullojonov also argues that Russian politicians, particularly those with populist leanings, have exacerbated the problem by making inflammatory statements to appeal to nationalist voters. "These politicians are not just reflecting public opinion; they are actively shaping it, contributing to a cycle of radicalization that makes violence against migrants seem more acceptable," he says.
Xenophobia and youth radicalization
Rustam Azizi, an expert on counter-extremism, believes that the underlying causes of the murder of Aliyev go beyond a "domestic conflict" or isolated incident.
"This is the result of a long-standing, systemic process in Russia, where a populist and nationalist environment has been created, particularly since the war in Ukraine began," he explains. "The state has deliberately invested in this cheap, dangerous populism, which blames an external or internal enemy for all of Russia's problems."
Azizi stresses that the growing normalization of hate speech in Russia has led to a situation where violence is increasingly justified. "The language of hatred is becoming normalized, and violence is being morally justified in certain circles," he says. "This is not an isolated incident; there are many similar cases that do not make the headlines."
The expert also highlights the role of government officials and media outlets in perpetuating xenophobic attitudes. "When political leaders make xenophobic statements, they legitimize hatred, sending a direct signal to youth that such behavior is acceptable and even encouraged."
The dangerous power of political rhetoric
Arkady Dubnov, a political analyst and journalist, argues that the tragedy in Odintsovo did not happen in a vacuum.
The atmosphere of intolerance towards migrants and "the other," particularly since the war in Ukraine began, has permeated all levels of Russian society. "Government propaganda, fueled by narratives of patriotism and opposition to foreign influence, has created an environment where xenophobia is seen as acceptable," he says.
Dubnov also criticizes those who try to shift the blame for the tragedy onto the family or the school, pointing out that the root cause lies with state-driven policies and the rhetoric emanating from the top. "When the government fosters a climate of hostility towards migrants, it creates an environment where violence is more likely to occur," he concludes.
A moral crisis
Saifullo Safarov, a Tajik political analyst, describes the killing of Qobiljon Aliyev as a symptom of a broader moral crisis in Russian society.
"The state has allowed nationalist ideas to spread, creating a society where there is no distinction between friend and enemy," he says. "Migrants, who are essential to Russia's economy, have become scapegoats, blamed for problems that have nothing to do with them."
Safarov adds that while Russian politicians who make xenophobic statements may be acting out of political expediency, they are also doing long-term harm to the fabric of Russian society. "These politicians, who claim to be patriots, are actually undermining the very principles of tolerance and unity that Russia once stood for," he says.
Conclusion: a deepening crisis
The tragic death of Qobiljon Aliyev is not an isolated incident but a reflection of deeper societal issues in Russia. Experts agree that the rise in xenophobia, fueled by state-driven propaganda and nationalist rhetoric, has created a dangerous environment in which violence against migrants is increasingly normalized. As long as these forces continue to shape public discourse, similar tragedies are likely to occur, threatening the social fabric of Russia and tarnishing its international reputation.
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