Invasion of Ukraine: Upon their return, Western fighters could pose a threat to Western security

If most of these soldiers are united by their anti-Kremlin position and their positive vision of the West, they are not spared the risk of a sudden ideological change, warns a professor at the University of Ottawa, Jean -François Ratelle. “Although foreign fighters in Ukraine are often ideologically pro-West, their overall experience of war creates various psychosocial and relational vulnerabilities that could translate into violent extremism upon their return home.“, we can read in an analysis paper.

kyiv wants to recruit thousands of fighters in Poland: “Volodymyr Zelensky would do better to mobilize them in Ukraine”

Extremists as fellow soldiers

Indeed, the Ukrainian front has seen the alliance of different groups, which do not necessarily correspond to the image we have of anti-Kremlin activists: criminal organizations, former jihadists, nationalist factions, far-right groups and of white supremacy… All are temporarily united by a common hatred of the regime of Vladimir Putin. Jean-François Ratelle explains that “even non-ideologue volunteers are [donc] exposed to various extremist ideologies and collaborate with individuals who hold extremist views, increasing the risk of ideological transformation and sudden radicalization.“

The professor therefore insists on the need to properly take care of these volunteer fighters when they return home. He believes that current reintegration programs and their funding are not optimized to address the specific vulnerabilities and challenges arising from the war in Ukraine. “Reintegration is a complex and difficult process. […] The repatriation and resettlement of foreign fighters from Ukraine will be handled largely by the fighters themselves, rather than by governments or NGOs. […] Psychosocial services will only be provided upon request.“So many factors which risk socially isolating volunteer combatants, who would find themselves alone facing their possible post-traumatic stress.

These Russians who are fighting with the Ukrainian army and who want to bring war to their country

Reintegration necessary

Another element that could increase their frustration is not benefiting from the same recognition as professional soldiers, who receive financial compensation after serving their country. “In the absence of specific reintegration programs in Western countries for fighters returning from Ukraine, the risk of radicalization and violence appears quite high.“

Especially since these veterans used new deadly technologies on the Ukrainian battlefield, such as first-person kamikaze drones. These weaponscould be used in terrorist attacks in Western countries or on future foreign battlefields where Western troops are engaged in counter-insurgency operations“.

Jean-François Ratelle therefore urges Western authorities to take seriously the support and recognition of fighters when they return home. The professor, however, does not fall into alarmism: “Western officials should take a proactive approach to the security threat posed by foreign fighters in Ukraine, without exaggerating the problem.“