Iraq and Russia are deepening their cooperation through a Telegram channel aligned with the Kremlin, highlighting the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations. The Kremlin is utilizing the Rybar channel to expand its influence in Iraq, promoting Russian interests in the region.
According to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), members of the Rybar team, including its founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, visited Iraq in late January 2025. During their visit, they met with Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Mohammad Shia Al Sudani. The discussions revealed Iraq’s openness to enhancing trade and foreign investment with Russia, as well as their interest in further developing diplomatic ties with Moscow.
The Rybar channel, which has been instrumental in advancing Russia’s strategic goals, invited Russian businesses, media companies, and investors to explore opportunities in Iraq. This visit follows an earlier trip by the Rybar team in August 2024, which marked the first known instance of a Russian milblogger meeting with a senior foreign official.
The ISW emphasized that Russia is seeking to bolster its presence in the region, especially in light of a potential reduction of U.S. military forces in Iraq. Moscow views Iraq as a key partner in areas such as trade, infrastructure, and security. The changing political landscape in Syria, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, appears to be influencing Russia’s broader foreign policy strategy in the Middle East, with Iraq seen as a strategic ally to replace the U.S. as a leading security partner in the region.
As the Kremlin works to increase its influence, the Rybar Telegram channel plays a critical role in shaping public perception and promoting Russia’s interests on the global stage.
