Iraq Launches Investigation Into Russian Recruitment of Young Iraqis for War Against Ukraine

The Government of the Republic of Iraq is establishing a special commission to investigate and eliminate the recruitment of young Iraqi citizens for participation in the war against Ukraine.

During a meeting with Brigadier General Dmytro Usov, Secretary of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Iraq's Chargé d'Affaires in Ukraine Tarek Kazem emphasized that official Baghdad is concerned about the involvement of young Iraqis in the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces. The commission, which will operate in coordination with Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council, is designed to address this problem.

Iraqi officials noted that according to the country's criminal code, mercenary activity carries severe penalties up to life imprisonment. Iraqi diplomats also 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.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry regularly urges citizens of third countries to avoid joining the Russian occupation army by any means possible. Those already sent to the front are encouraged to contact the "I Want to Live" project for assistance.

The "I Want to Live" project provides safe surrender options for russian army foreigners and others coerced into fighting for russia. The initiative has helped numerous russian prisoners of war and foreign recruits exit the conflict safely.

Source: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War website