Russia Still Aims to Seize Southern Ukraine, Warns National Security Official.

Interview with Roman Kostenko

According to Novyny.live: Roman Kostenko, a member of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council and secretary of the parliamentary committee on national security, recently sat down to discuss key threats facing the country. In the interview, he outlined risks originating from Transnistria, ongoing dangers posed by Russia, and Ukraine’s capacity to respond. Kostenko stressed that Moscow has not abandoned its plans to seize Ukraine’s south—a prospect that continues to alarm both the Ukrainian public and military analysts.

According to Kostenko, Russia is actively employing a strategy of massive combined strikes using drones and missiles. In response, Ukraine has demonstrated strong air defense capabilities, successfully intercepting roughly 90% of 600 drones and about 90% of cruise missiles. These figures highlight the effectiveness of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in protecting the country’s airspace.

Transnistria Risks and International Cooperation

When addressing the potential threat from Transnistria, Kostenko noted that active military operations there are unlikely. However, he did not rule out the possibility that Russia could continue launching strikes that endanger Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

'Can Russia launch a hundred or a hundred and fifty ballistic missiles every month? Possibly. But it won’t be able to keep that up for long.' – Roman Kostenko

On the international stage, Kostenko highlighted that the United States is producing PAC-3 missiles, which are critical for Ukraine’s defense. This development could play a key role in bolstering national security given the current front-line situation and ongoing Russian threats. Collaboration with global partners remains essential for regional stability and for strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

Overall, the situation in Ukraine remains tense, with Russian aggression and risks from Transnistria demanding close attention from both Ukrainian authorities and the military. As a member of the government structure, Roman Kostenko continues to work on strategic decisions aimed at reinforcing the country’s defenses and securing peace in the region.

Kostenko’s remarks underscore the persistent threats Ukraine faces, especially from Russia. Economic challenges confronting the Russian army may limit its ability to sustain prolonged military operations. At the same time, deeper cooperation with international partners—particularly in the defense sector—could significantly enhance Ukraine’s defensive strength, a crucial factor for ensuring regional security.