Roman Kostenko believes that Russia's strategic goal is for its troops to reach Transnistria via Odesa and Mykolaiv.
Russia's immediate objectives in its war against Ukraine are the complete capture of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Afterward, the occupiers will undoubtedly try to seize Mykolaiv and Odesa regions.
This opinion was expressed by Roman Kostenko, an MP from "Holos" and a SSU colonel, in an interview with "Ukrainska Pravda."
The People's Representative answered the question of whether the immediate tactical goal of Russian president, Volodymyr Putin, is the withdrawal of his troops to the borders of Donetsk region by the end of 2024.
"I wouldn't say it's a tactical goal. If that's what they think, it's already an operational goal. But for them, under the conditions they're in right now, it might be the ultimate strategic goal. Because they're really moving forward slowly and suffered great losses," Kostenko noted.
He added that of all the objectives the Russians set for themselves at the start of their invasion of Ukraine, and which they still aim to achieve, capturing Donetsk and Luhansk regions within their administrative borders remains the main one. The enemy's goal is "to have something to present domestically and show everyone that this was the primary task."
The SSU colonel also noted that the Russians want to preserve their land corridor and keep occupied Crimea under control, as this is crucial for them.
"And in my view, the next focus will be on southern Ukraine. They will undoubtedly try to capture Mykolaiv and Odesa regions. For them, this is a strategic direction because it involves the Black Sea," Kostenko predicts.
He adds that the Russians understand that Ukraine's viability depends on who controls the south. The enemy generally considers these lands historically theirs because they provide access to Europe.
"There are many nuances they want to hold onto. That's why they often mention Odesa and Mykolaiv in their propaganda videos. I believe that for them, reaching Transnistria via Odesa and Mykolaiv is a strategic issue," Kostenko opined.
As for the timeline, the MP stated that "it could happen in a year, or it could take 10 years."
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