Czech intelligence has raised concerns about potential security risks if thousands of Ukrainian war veterans move to the country after the war to reunite with their families. The warning comes as officials assess possible scenarios based on past conflicts, such as the war in Yugoslavia.
Currently, more than 399,000 Ukrainian refugees reside in the Czech Republic, including over 170,000 women aged 18 to 65. While not all have partners in Ukraine, security services are preparing for the possibility that some veterans, particularly those suffering from psychological trauma, could pose a risk.
“In general, I can confirm that our security forces, especially intelligence services, are preparing for various scenarios,” said Pavel Žáček, chairman of the parliamentary security committee. In November, Michal Koudelka, director of the Security Information Service (BIS), briefed parliament on the issue. Žáček emphasized the importance of addressing security concerns but noted that large-scale family reunifications are not currently planned. He also pointed out that even if a ceasefire occurs, Ukrainian soldiers are unlikely to be discharged immediately.
Michal Zuna, a deputy and member of the security committee, added that “Ukraine is preparing to integrate some war veterans into military structures and other state institutions in a way that minimizes risks for local communities.”
Meanwhile, opposition politicians have voiced strong concerns. “Of course, this is a huge threat, as even BIS has pointed out. We must do everything to ensure that veterans remain in Ukraine and help rebuild their country,” said Karel Havlíček, deputy chairman of the opposition ANO movement, in a March interview with Novinky.
Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (STAN) also addressed the issue in February, stating, “Regardless of how the war ends, no one will be able to come here after its conclusion under the temporary protection scheme. Any family reunification must take place in accordance with the Czech Republic’s existing immigration policies.”
