Panic in Europe; A possible scenario similar to the aftermath of breakup of Yugoslavia; Agencies on high alert

He told Die Welt that his agency has strengthened its presence along Ukraine’s western borders and is closely monitoring the situation.

“It could lead to weapons smuggling on a larger scale. That could become a security problem for Europe,” Gerdes said.

He also added that once the large-scale war launched by Russia four years ago comes to an end, it is “entirely possible” that a situation similar to that of the former Yugoslavia could reoccur, when illegal weapons flooded the rest of Europe after the fighting there ended.

Gerdes said that Frontex has strengthened its presence along Ukraine’s western borders and is closely monitoring the situation.

“We have been preparing for this since the beginning of the war,” the German official said.

“I believe the risk is particularly high after a ceasefire or peace agreement. At that point, there will be large quantities of weapons, ammunition, and explosives in the country, along with many people in need of money. Weapons smuggling on a larger scale could emerge,” he stressed, according to Politico.