Summary of "Неочікуване рішення Федорова. Новий заступник Повітряних Сил та мала ППО | Роман Костенко"

Discussion on Ukraine’s Defense Sector Developments

The video features an in-depth discussion on recent developments in Ukraine’s defense sector, focusing on personnel changes, military strategy, and air defense improvements amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Key Points Discussed

1. Military Losses and Strategy

Newly appointed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov set a target of killing 50,000 Russian occupiers monthly to force Russia into reconsidering the war.
Roman Kostenko, a military expert and People’s Deputy, confirms this figure aligns with strategic calculations given Russian monthly conscription (~40,000) and current Russian losses (25,000–34,000).
Achieving this attrition rate would deplete Russian reserves and limit their operational capabilities, forcing them to tighten control locally or halt serious operations.

2. Mobilization and Technological Warfare

Increasing Russian losses requires better mobilization and leveraging technological advantages, especially drone warfare.
Drones have become a highly effective tool, responsible for destroying a significant percentage of enemy targets despite being operated by a small fraction of the Armed Forces.
However, artillery and traditional forces remain essential, and a balanced, data-driven approach is necessary to optimize force deployment and maximize enemy losses.

3. Audit and Optimization of Forces

An ongoing audit is needed to understand the distribution and effectiveness of Ukrainian forces on the front lines versus rear areas to better allocate resources.
This aims to improve battlefield efficiency without indiscriminate mobilization, ensuring the right personnel are in the right places.

4. Air Defense and Appointment of Pavel Elizarov

Pavel Elizarov was appointed Deputy Commander of the Air Force, tasked with managing Ukraine’s small air defense units to counter Russian “Shahed” (strike) drones.
Previously, Ukraine’s air defense against these drones was fragmented, with unclear responsibility and coordination among various military branches and units.
Elizarov’s leadership is expected to unify these efforts under a single command structure, integrating radar systems and control mechanisms to increase efficiency and reduce chaos.

5. Countering Russian Strike Drones (Shaheds)

These drones, though not technologically advanced, pose a significant challenge due to their volume and the shortage of effective short-range air defense weapons worldwide.
The goal is to develop and deploy inexpensive, efficient countermeasures (e.g., anti-mine drones, MANPADS, locally produced SAMs) to make the use of Shaheds economically unfeasible for Russia.
This approach would reduce the need for expensive fighter jets and missiles to intercept drones, preserving valuable resources and minimizing risks to pilots.

6. Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Leadership Situation

The current acting head is Yevhen Khmara, with rumors about his first deputy, Oleksandr Poklad, potentially taking over.
Roman Kostenko emphasizes that the appointment of the SBU head is ultimately the president’s prerogative, subject to parliamentary approval.
He stresses the importance of having a confirmed leader during wartime to ensure clear authority and decision-making within the security services.

7. Commemoration of Defenders of Donetsk Airport

The video briefly acknowledges the recent Day of Defenders of Donetsk Airport, honoring those who fought there, including Roman Kostenko himself.
A more detailed discussion of those events is promised for a future occasion.

Presenters and Contributors

Dmitry Tuzov (host)
Roman Kostenko (People’s Deputy, Holos faction; Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence)