How much is the life of a young Iraqi worth? According to the Russian army, around €2,500 a month. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, recruitment networks have sprung up around the globe. Some operate openly, others are more opaque. RFI spoke to a young Iraqi man who was snared by one of these schemes.
"Are you young, healthy and between the ages of 18 and 40? Sign a contract with the Russian Federal Army. The reward: a signing bonus of between $8,000 and $30,000, and a salary of nearly $3,000 [€2,500] per month."
