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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.

UN
Voting takes place at the United Nations General Assembly during a special session on the violence in Ukraine on March 2, 2022 in New York City. Members voted overwhelmingly for a non-binding resolution that condemns Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. — Spencer Platt/Getty Images

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.

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