Roman Kostenko, a prominent military and political figure in Ukraine, has been vocal about the country's defense strategy in 2025. Kostenko emphasizes the importance of increasing domestic arms production in light of halted US arms sales and the unrealistic goal of producing 3,000 "Flamingo" missiles. His stance reflects the necessity for Ukraine to bolster its capabilities independently, despite receiving support from European partners. Kostenko's calls for robust production highlight the pressing needs of the Armed Forces, which demand trillions of hryvnias to counter Russian aggression effectively.
What is Roman Kostenko's role in Ukraine's military and politics?
Roman Kostenko is a member of the Ukrainian parliament representing the "Voice" party and is actively involved in national security, defense, and intelligence matters. His insights and decisions significantly influence Ukraine's defense strategy and military operations, especially regarding production and policy on mobilization.
Why does Kostenko advocate for domestic arms production in Ukraine?
Kostenko stresses the importance of domestic arms production to reduce dependence on foreign military aid. Despite lifted restrictions on Western weapons, Ukraine cannot solely rely on imports. Boosting local production is vital to meet the Armed Forces' extensive needs and ensure sustainable military operations against Russian aggression.
What are the challenges Ukraine faces regarding weapon production, according to Kostenko?
Ukraine faces significant challenges in mass production of complex weaponry, such as the FP-5 "Flamingo" missiles. Kostenko highlights that logistical and technological constraints have rendered ambitious goals unattainable, necessitating a strategic reevaluation of production capabilities to bolster defense effectively.
How does Kostenko view European military support for Ukraine?
Kostenko acknowledges the importance of European military support, which includes lifting restrictions on weapon use against Russian targets. However, he believes that such measures, while beneficial, are insufficient to secure victory. He emphasizes the need to simultaneously enhance Ukraine's own arms manufacturing to maintain a strategic advantage.
What budgetary needs does Ukraine have for its Armed Forces?
Kostenko has pointed out that Ukraine's defense requires a multi-trillion hryvnia budget to effectively counter Russian forces. This budget is necessary to cover extensive operational costs, procurement of advanced weaponry, and investment in local arms production to sustain prolonged military engagements.
