Iraqis Fighting for Russia in Ukraine: A Fateful Decision
Many young Iraqis are drawn to the promise of money, a passport, and adventure on social media platforms, but at what cost?
In May, Mohammed Imad posted a selfie with a Russian flag on his TikTok profile, captioned "Pray for me".
He was last seen in Ukraine, and months passed without any news.
His mother, Zeinab Jabbar, suspects that he was lured to Russia by the promise of money, a passport, and adventure, as many young Iraqis are increasingly tempted by the allure of fighting for Russia.
Mohammed's story is not unique.
Many young men from impoverished families have been enticed by seemingly irresistible offers on social media platforms like TikTok and Telegram.
These platforms act as recruitment tools for young Iraqis looking to join Russia's ranks, offering a monthly salary of $2,800, sign-up fees of up to $20,000, insurance, pensions, and even compensation in case of injury.
These recruits are often drawn from the same generation that has experienced decades of war and conflict in their home country.
They see no future for themselves in Iraq, where one in three young people are unemployed and corruption is rampant.
The prospect of a steady income and the chance to gain Russian citizenship may seem like an escape route.
The process to enlist appears relatively straightforward through these channels.
Potential recruits simply need to provide a copy of their passport, address, and phone number, after which they receive a visa invitation and are assisted in booking flights to Moscow.
However, many families have been left searching for missing loved ones.
Faten, Mohammed's sister, has spent countless hours tracking down information about her brother on social media, only to be met with varying accounts of his fate.
The uncertainty drives them to demand answers from both the Russian and Iraqi governments.
Among those who have successfully joined the ranks of the Russian army is user Abbas Al-Munaser, 27, also known as "Abbas Hamadullah," an Iraqis fighting in Ukraine.
Munaser has become a reference for other young men seeking guidance on joining the military forces.
He assures them that he can help them achieve their goal of joining Russia's ranks.
Despite the financial lure and the promise of adventure, there is no denying the risks involved.
Many see this as a mercenary decision, which in Arabic carries significant social stigma.
Families who have lost loved ones to these wars often feel ashamed and dishonored by their decisions.
The Iraqi government has tried to maintain a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, but the issue of its young men joining Russia's army is becoming increasingly sensitive.
There are calls for stricter measures against those attempting to lure or coerce young Iraqis into fighting in foreign wars.
The situation raises questions about the motivations behind these decisions and whether they stem from desperation, a desire for adventure, or a genuine belief in the cause.
Whatever the reason, families like Mohammed's are left searching for answers and yearning for closure.
He was last seen in Ukraine, and months passed without any news.
His mother, Zeinab Jabbar, suspects that he was lured to Russia by the promise of money, a passport, and adventure, as many young Iraqis are increasingly tempted by the allure of fighting for Russia.
Mohammed's story is not unique.
Many young men from impoverished families have been enticed by seemingly irresistible offers on social media platforms like TikTok and Telegram.
These platforms act as recruitment tools for young Iraqis looking to join Russia's ranks, offering a monthly salary of $2,800, sign-up fees of up to $20,000, insurance, pensions, and even compensation in case of injury.
These recruits are often drawn from the same generation that has experienced decades of war and conflict in their home country.
They see no future for themselves in Iraq, where one in three young people are unemployed and corruption is rampant.
The prospect of a steady income and the chance to gain Russian citizenship may seem like an escape route.
The process to enlist appears relatively straightforward through these channels.
Potential recruits simply need to provide a copy of their passport, address, and phone number, after which they receive a visa invitation and are assisted in booking flights to Moscow.
However, many families have been left searching for missing loved ones.
Faten, Mohammed's sister, has spent countless hours tracking down information about her brother on social media, only to be met with varying accounts of his fate.
The uncertainty drives them to demand answers from both the Russian and Iraqi governments.
Among those who have successfully joined the ranks of the Russian army is user Abbas Al-Munaser, 27, also known as "Abbas Hamadullah," an Iraqis fighting in Ukraine.
Munaser has become a reference for other young men seeking guidance on joining the military forces.
He assures them that he can help them achieve their goal of joining Russia's ranks.
Despite the financial lure and the promise of adventure, there is no denying the risks involved.
Many see this as a mercenary decision, which in Arabic carries significant social stigma.
Families who have lost loved ones to these wars often feel ashamed and dishonored by their decisions.
The Iraqi government has tried to maintain a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, but the issue of its young men joining Russia's army is becoming increasingly sensitive.
There are calls for stricter measures against those attempting to lure or coerce young Iraqis into fighting in foreign wars.
The situation raises questions about the motivations behind these decisions and whether they stem from desperation, a desire for adventure, or a genuine belief in the cause.
Whatever the reason, families like Mohammed's are left searching for answers and yearning for closure.
