While periods of de-escalation may occur, the region is nevertheless likely to remain unstable, international affairs expert Elena Suponina told Izvestia. The presence of Ukrainian mercenaries is being detected in an increasing number of conflicts far beyond the special military operation zone. All of this took place with the direct participation of Ukrainian mercenaries. At the same time, he noted that it is extremely difficult to estimate the number of Ukrainian mercenaries operating in the region. According to experts interviewed by Vedomosti, Durov could face up to life imprisonment if convicted, while the charges alone do not automatically affect Telegram’s legal status or operations in Russia.