Young Iraqis Join Russian Forces, Driven by Promises and Despair

Iraqi youth are being drawn into the conflict in Ukraine, with reports emerging that many are joining Russian forces under the influence of social media and promises of a better life. One such individual, 24-year-old Mohammed Imad, posted his last TikTok video in May, smiling in military fatigues against the backdrop of a war-torn landscape. The caption read, “Pray for me,” accompanied by a Russian flag. Since then, his family has been left in agony, grappling with uncertainty regarding his fate.

Mohammed’s mother, Zeinab Jabbar, revealed that he went to Russia without their knowledge, motivated by the allure of financial incentives and the prospect of obtaining a Russian passport. “He went and never came back,” she lamented, tears streaming down her face. Her family’s anguish reflects broader societal struggles in Iraq, where persistent unemployment and corruption have left many young people searching for opportunities abroad.

With unemployment rates soaring, reports indicate that approximately one in three young Iraqis are jobless, making the prospect of joining the Russian military—offering a monthly salary of $2,800, significantly higher than local military pay—enticing. Additionally, recruits are promised sign-up bonuses of up to $20,000, alongside benefits like a Russian passport, insurance, and pensions.

Social media platforms such as TikTok and Telegram have become powerful recruitment tools, with influencers actively promoting these opportunities. AFP spoke with families of four men who ventured to Russia to join the military, revealing that three are now officially missing. Their stories highlight the perilous journey many young Iraqis are taking amid a landscape of desperation.

Influencers and Recruitment Tactics

A growing number of social media users are offering guidance to potential recruits. One TikTok user, Abbas Hamadullah, known as Abbas al-Munaser, claimed to have helped others join the Russian army. He noted that Mohammed sought his advice before enlisting. Tragically, Munaser later informed Mohammed’s family that he had been killed by a Ukrainian drone near Bakhmut. “If he is dead, we want his body,” Mohammed’s sister, Faten, expressed, emphasizing the lack of official communication regarding his fate.

The recruitment process is often shrouded in misinformation, with families desperately searching for answers as they scroll through social media. In a grim twist, reports suggest that propaganda and alluring offers are driving young men to enlist under false pretenses, often without understanding the risks involved.

Munasar, who joined the Russian military in 2024, shared his own story, noting that he initially aimed to migrate to Europe. However, the prospects of military service in Russia became more appealing. He currently earns around $2,500 a month, a life-changing sum for many families in Iraq. Despite the dangers associated with warfare, he expressed no regrets about his decision to enlist.

The Broader Implications

The phenomenon of foreign fighters in Ukraine is not unique to Iraq. Reports indicate that thousands of foreign nationals, including volunteers from North Korea and China, have joined the Russian side. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s embassy in Iraq estimates that approximately 3,500 foreign fighters are assisting their military efforts, albeit for standard army pay.

Iraq has a long history of its citizens fighting abroad, particularly in conflicts involving regional powers. However, the current situation raises serious concerns regarding the motivations of young Iraqis fighting for Russia, as many are driven not by ideological beliefs but by economic necessity.

Iraq’s government has attempted to maintain a neutral stance in the ongoing war, expressing concerns over young men joining foreign conflicts. In September, a court in southern Iraq sentenced a man to life in prison for human trafficking, accusing him of sending individuals to fight for Russia. Additionally, the Iraqi embassy in Moscow has warned against attempts to lure citizens into joining the conflict under various pretexts.

The stigma surrounding mercenary work is pronounced in Iraq, where the term carries a heavy connotation. Families of recruits have faced social ostracism, with some leaving their communities out of shame. Reports of young men returning in body bags have compounded the sorrow felt by families, highlighting the tragic consequences of decisions made in the pursuit of financial security.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the stories of young Iraqis like Mohammed Imad reflect a complex tapestry of desperation, ambition, and the harsh realities of war. The hope remains that their plight will prompt greater awareness and action to protect vulnerable youth from being exploited in foreign military engagements.