Young Iraqis Drawn to Fight for Russia Amid Desperation

Young Iraqis are increasingly being recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, driven by economic desperation and the allure of social media promises. Mohammed Imad, a 24-year-old from Musayab, south of Baghdad, posted his last TikTok video in May, showcasing his military attire against a backdrop of smoke and vehicle tracks in Ukraine. His caption, “Pray for me,” alongside a Russian flag, would be the last message his family received, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and grief.

Mohammed’s mother, Zeinab Jabbar, shared her anguish with AFP, expressing the disbelief that her son had enlisted in a foreign conflict without their knowledge. “We Iraqis have seen so many wars… we have had enough,” she lamented. With the country facing rampant corruption and a staggering youth unemployment rate of one in three, many young men see enlistment in Russia’s military as a way to escape their dire circumstances. Offers often include monthly salaries of around $2,800—four times the military pay in Iraq—and generous bonuses that can reach up to $20,000.

Social Media Influence and Recruitment

The use of platforms like TikTok and Telegram has become a key strategy for recruiters targeting young Iraqis. Influencers often share enticing narratives about life in the Russian military, portraying it as a viable solution to economic hardships. Families of four other men, who also left to join the Russian army, shared their stories of loss. Three remain missing, while one was returned in a body bag.

One Iraqi recruit, now serving in Russia, openly promotes the military on social media, claiming, “Give me an Iraqi soldier and a Russian weapon, and we will liberate the world from Western colonialism.” This rhetoric resonates with many young Iraqis seeking purpose and financial stability.

Recruitment efforts extend beyond Iraq, targeting young men from countries like Syria, Egypt, and Algeria, using similar tactics as those employed in Central Asia. These recruitment channels offer assistance with visa applications and even provide military terminology in Russian to help recruits acclimate.

The Human Cost of Recruitment

Families are left in the dark about the fates of their loved ones. Mohammed’s sister, Faten, dedicates her time to tracking Iraqis who have enlisted, hoping for any news about her brother. Her worst fears were confirmed when she learned from another recruit that Mohammed had died, allegedly shot down by a Ukrainian drone.

The situation is mirrored by the experiences of Alawi, another young Iraqi who disappeared alongside Mohammed. His father, Abdul Hussein Motlak, pleaded with him to return home, but Alawi was determined to fulfill his military contract. The allure of a better life drove many to this perilous path, where the promise of a Russian passport and financial security overshadowed the harsh realities of war.

Abbas Hamadullah, known on social media as Abbas al-Munaser, offers guidance for prospective recruits, sharing both the potential benefits and risks of fighting for Russia. While he now enjoys a stable income, he warns that “there is death here,” emphasizing the advanced technology and brutality of modern warfare.

Iraq’s history of foreign involvement complicates the narrative. Young men have long fought abroad, often motivated by a sense of duty or economic necessity. Despite Iraq’s attempts to maintain neutrality regarding the Ukraine conflict, the emigration of its youth to participate in foreign militaries is viewed as a source of shame by many.

A recent court ruling in Iraq sentenced an individual to life in prison for allegedly recruiting people to fight abroad, underscoring the government’s stance against such practices. The Iraqi embassy in Moscow has also issued warnings about attempts to lure citizens into military service.

The tragic story of Mohammed and others reflects a broader trend among young Iraqis seeking to escape a cycle of violence and poverty. As they navigate through uncertain futures, many are left grappling with the consequences of their decisions in a conflict that is far removed from their homeland.