Militias support Russian invasion as Iraq refuses to condemn
Iraq has aligned with China and Iran in abstaining from a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
BAGHDAD – As Russia continues to gain territory in Ukraine and thousands have reportedly been killed on both sides in a few days, Iraq has abstained from a UN vote demanding that the country halt its offensive and withdraw its troops.
On the streets of the Jadriya neighborhood, billboards and posters stating in English, “We Support Russia” with a photo of President Vladimir Putin briefly vied for attention with the ubiquitous posters of Shia militia fighters and commanders.
At least some of the pro-Putin posters had been removed by March 3.
Jadariya is across the Tigris River from the heavily fortified and oft-attacked Green Zone and is where some commanders of Iran-linked armed groups live. Mass protests have been held against the United States in this area in recent years.
