Iraq against recruitment into the Russian army: Baghdad introduces criminal measures due to the war in Ukraine

The government of Iraq announced steps to curb the recruitment of its citizens to participate in the war in Ukraine on the side of Russia.

According to Baghdad authorities, about 5,000 Iraqis have already signed contracts, hoping for high monetary compensation and the prospect of obtaining Russian citizenship.

Decisions are being prepared for approval by Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani.

Committee on National Security and Criminal Sanctions

Who coordinates the process

In January, a special committee was established in Iraq to combat the recruitment of citizens into foreign armed forces. It is headed by National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji.

The committee developed proposals for applying the provisions of the Criminal Code against participants in recruitment networks and organizations facilitating the recruitment of citizens for service abroad.

This concerns not only direct recruiters but also financial channels that provide travel and contract arrangements.

What the new measures propose

The proposals include:

— criminal liability for participation in foreign armies without state permission;
— suppression of the activities of intermediaries and financing networks;
— information campaigns about the risks of participating in hostilities.

According to Iraqi authorities, many volunteers find themselves in exploitative conditions and are sent directly to the front line.

The committee’s decisions have been submitted for approval to the Prime Minister. After formal approval, the measures may come into effect soon.

The scale of the problem: 5,000 or 50,000?

Official and unofficial estimates

The official estimate is about 5,000 Iraqis who have signed contracts with the Russian army.

However, unofficial data suggests the number could be ten times higher — up to 50,000 people.

If the higher estimate is confirmed, it indicates a significant scale of citizen involvement in a foreign conflict.

Motives of volunteers

According to Baghdad, the main motives were:

— high level of pay compared to the domestic labor market;
— promises of expedited Russian citizenship;
— recruitment campaigns through intermediaries and online platforms.

Iraq faces socio-economic challenges, including youth unemployment, creating a favorable environment for such offers.

Geopolitical context

Iraq is officially not participating in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

However, the country maintains diplomatic relations with both Moscow and Western states.

Mass recruitment of citizens could create additional foreign policy risks for Baghdad.

The war in Ukraine is gradually acquiring a transnational character — with the involvement of volunteers and mercenaries from different regions.

In this context, NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency notes: Iraqi measures reflect the state’s desire to maintain control over the participation of its citizens in foreign armed conflicts and minimize reputational and legal consequences.

What’s next

If criminal mechanisms are approved, Iraq will become one of the few countries in the region to officially start a systematic fight against the recruitment of citizens to participate in the war in Ukraine.

The key question is how effectively financial channels and online recruitment can be blocked.

With economic incentives remaining, demand for such contracts may persist.

For now, Baghdad shows readiness to act within the legal framework.

Implementation will show whether this becomes a deterrent or merely a formal measure in the context of a globalized conflict.