Young Iraqis Lured to Fight for Russia Amid Desperation

In a troubling trend, young Iraqis are being drawn to fight for Russia in Ukraine, often without their families’ knowledge. Among them is **Mohammed Imad**, a 24-year-old who posted his last TikTok video from a battlefield in Ukraine, expressing hope and fear with the caption, “Pray for me.” His story reflects a broader pattern where social media influencers entice impoverished Iraqi youths with promises of financial rewards and a new life.

**Zeinab Jabbar**, Mohammed’s mother, described the pain of not knowing her son’s fate after he enlisted in the Russian military in May 2023. “He went and never came back,” she lamented, as she clung to a photograph of him in their home in Musayab, south of Baghdad. With Iraq’s ongoing economic struggles—where one in three young people is jobless—many are tempted by offers that appear too good to resist.

Recruitment efforts for the Russian military have intensified, especially through platforms like TikTok and Telegram. The lure includes a monthly salary of **$2,800**, significantly higher than what Iraqi soldiers typically earn, along with a potential sign-up bonus of up to **$20,000**. This includes the promise of a **Russian passport**, insurance, and a pension, appealing to those desperate for a way out of their current circumstances.

Social media has become a recruiting ground for individuals like **Abbas al-Munaser**, an Iraqi who has enlisted and actively promotes military service through engaging posts. He has garnered attention by declaring, “Give me an Iraqi soldier and a Russian weapon, and we will liberate the world from Western colonialism.” Such statements resonate with many young men seeking purpose and financial stability.

Reports suggest that hundreds of Iraqis have joined Russian forces, with estimates varying widely. Many of these recruits are influenced by the same social media channels that initially attracted them, finding a sense of community among fellow fighters. They are not just from Iraq; recruits come from across the Middle East, including Syria, Egypt, and Algeria.

**Alawi**, another young Iraqi, traveled to Russia with Mohammed. Initially in regular contact with his family, he too vanished in May. His father urged him to come home, but Alawi was determined to fulfill his military contract. His journey illustrates the harsh reality of the choices these young men face in a country plagued by corruption and limited opportunities.

For families like Mohammed’s, the pain of uncertainty is compounded by conflicting reports about their loved ones. Mohammed’s sister, **Faten**, has spent hours searching social media for any news, only to receive various accounts of his fate. Tragically, al-Munaser eventually informed her that Mohammed had been killed by a Ukrainian drone near **Bakhmut**. “If he is dead, we want his body,” she demanded, reflecting the anguish of many families left in the dark.

The phenomenon of young Iraqis joining foreign militaries is not new. Historically, many have enlisted in local pro-Iran factions or traveled to fight in Syria. Yet, the current situation marks a shift, as Iraqis find themselves fighting for a foreign power without clear ideological motivations. **Ivan Dovhanych**, Ukraine’s ambassador to Iraq, noted that these recruits are primarily seeking employment rather than fighting for a cause.

The Iraqi government has expressed concerns over its citizens joining foreign conflicts. In September 2023, authorities jailed a man for life for allegedly facilitating recruitment for the Russian military, highlighting the risks involved. Families are left grappling with the stigma associated with mercenary service, facing social backlash upon the return of deceased recruits.

The reality is stark: while some Iraqis like al-Munaser find financial success in the Russian military, others face the grim consequences of war. “There is death here,” he remarked, highlighting the advanced technology and dangers that characterize the ongoing conflict. Despite the risks, he remains committed to his role, having signed a new contract for additional service.

As the situation evolves, the stories of these young men serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing Iraq’s youth. The intersection of desperation, social media influence, and the allure of foreign military service paints a complex picture of modern conflict and the personal toll it takes on individuals and their families.