In 2023, the government told Prigozhin, a head of a private military company Wagner, that he must transfer the command of his units to the main army. This resulted in Prigozhin taking his army from the frontline, capturing the headquarters of Special Operation in Rostov, and marching on Moscow. During march, they shot down several planes and helicopters which were trying to stop them. At that night, several private jets were urgently leaving the capital.

So, mistreating veterans might not work out as expected.

More details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagner_Group_rebellion