Kathrine Frich
Iraq is preparing new measures after concerns emerged that its citizens are being drawn into Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The move follows discussions with Ukrainian officials and fresh data on foreign recruitment by Moscow.
Baghdad says the step reflects both legal concerns and its stated foreign policy position, as international attention remains focused on Russia’s use of foreign fighters.
Growing concern
Iraq is establishing a government commission to investigate and prevent the recruitment of Iraqi youth into the Russian armed forces, according to the Ukrainian-run “I Want to Live” project.
The initiative was discussed during meetings between Ukrainian and Iraqi officials.
Iraq’s Charge d’Affaires in Ukraine, Tarek Kazem, said authorities were increasingly worried about young Iraqis being persuaded to join Russia’s war effort.
The commission is expected to coordinate closely with Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council and focus on halting recruitment networks while addressing related legal violations.
Legal consequences
Kazem stressed that Iraqi law treats such activity as a serious crime.
“The Iraqi side also noted that under the country’s Criminal Code, mercenarism carries severe liability up to life imprisonment,” he said.
Officials framed the decision as a matter of enforcing domestic law rather than taking sides in the conflict.
The planned commission is intended to clarify responsibilities and strengthen oversight.
According to the Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence, the “I Want to Live” hotline has become a key channel for tracking foreign nationals entering Russian service.
Neutral stance
Iraqi representatives also underscored Baghdad’s diplomatic position.
“Iraqi diplomats confirmed the state’s firm position on neutrality and non-interference in the internal affairs of any other country, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Iraq,” a statement said.
The “I Want to Live” project, launched in September 2022, operates a 24-hour hotline allowing Russian soldiers to surrender voluntarily to Ukrainian forces.
Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service has reported a steady rise in foreign recruitment by Russia, adding urgency to Iraq’s response.
Recruitment trends
In December alone, more than 150 foreign nationals from 25 countries were identified as having joined the Russian army, with around 200 more preparing to enlist, said Oleh Ivashchenko, head of the agency.
Ivashchenko said financial incentives, simplified access to Russian citizenship and amnesty for convicted criminals were among the main reasons foreigners sign up.
Iraqi officials say the new commission is meant to ensure such recruitment does not extend further into Iraq.
Sources: I Want to Live project, Kyiv Independent.
