Unemployed veterans: how unjustified bookings fuel social tension in Ukraine - Yuriy Hudymenko.

There are tools that measure tension, but none can accurately reflect the level of stress within society. Consequently, it can be challenging to assess how critical the feelings of demotivation, outrage, or protest among people may be for the state during times of war. However, given the rising number of unjustified exemptions for workers in circuses, children's clothing stores, football clubs, or specific departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it becomes clear that the level of tension in the country is nearing a tipping point.

Today, this is not merely a question of the shortage of personnel at the front; it is also about the lack of infantry. The number of military units being supplemented by air defense personnel, wing operators, and doctors is a pressing issue that is already being felt, as there simply aren't enough soldiers to carry out all tasks.

But there is another problem I wish to address. It pertains not only to the front but also to the civilian lives of our veterans. Defenders returning to civilian life often encounter significant difficulties in finding employment. The repercussions of this situation will be felt in the future.

Why can't veterans find work?

We often hear how crucial it is to provide veterans with job opportunities. After all, the social integration of a veteran is not just about receiving a pension once a month; it is about the ability to contribute to society. In other words, it is about having a job where a person feels valued, can earn money, and senses their involvement in the country's development. This is how psychological rehabilitation after war operates.

However, for a significant number of veterans, job hunting turns into a challenging quest. Even in retail chains, all positions are reserved, with priority given to healthy men rather than individuals who have lost limbs or experienced trauma.

If this trend continues, the country risks facing a large number of unemployed veterans, accompanied by numerous associated problems.

Possible Consequences: Political Risks

It is easy to manipulate dissatisfied individuals; one simply needs to press on sensitive issues. There will be plenty of politicians looking to exploit public tension or lure voters with promises of benefits or other privileges. This could involve not only radical politicians or populists but also pro-Russian forces who know exactly how to capitalize on these problems.

We cannot allow a scenario to unfold where, after all the sacrifices and efforts Ukraine has made for its freedom, we face such a future. Instead of receiving respect and attention to their needs, veterans may find themselves denied job opportunities simply because those positions are reserved.

As a historian, I am familiar with the experiences of other countries. For instance, Germany after World War I experienced a massive economic crisis, and many veterans struggled to find work. This contributed to the growing political instability in the country, with radical ideas gaining traction among disenfranchised veterans.

Therefore, we must do everything possible to avert a social catastrophe similar to what occurred in Germany after 1918. We need to provide veterans not just with pensions, but also with genuine opportunities for employment, social integration, and a normal life during peacetime. This is not only an honor for the country but also a necessity for its future stability.