The Czech intelligence agencies have raised alarms that the end of the war in Ukraine, promised by newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump, could trigger a high-risk wave of migration. General Michal Koudelka, head of the Czech Security Information Service (BIS), informed members of parliament’s Security Committee that thousands of Ukrainian war veterans, many suffering from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), could head West to join their families.
BIS spokesperson Ladislav Štiha highlighted concerns over arms smuggling and the arrival of hardened combat veterans, who may pose significant security challenges if not managed properly. Senator Robert Šlachta, former head of the police unit against organized crime, drew comparisons to post-war migration from the former Yugoslavia, where battle-hardened veterans became involved in criminal networks.
Calls for an EU-Wide Solution
Czech lawmakers stressed the need for a European response to prevent a new wave of migration. Robert Králíček, a member of the opposition ANO party, suggested accelerating the return of Ukrainian refugees—primarily women and children—once the conflict ends. He emphasized the importance of directing U.S. and EU efforts toward rebuilding Ukraine to reduce incentives for emigration.
Experts are also advocating for EU-funded centers in Ukraine to provide healthcare, psychological support, and social services for war veterans, facilitating reintegration and reducing potential threats to EU stability.
