Roman Kostenko believes Ukraine should extend the current peace negotiations with Russia until it can address internal issues. Speaking in an interview, Kostenko argued that the talks are occurring under unfavorable conditions due to ongoing problems within the country.

The lawmaker stated that with major scandals reaching even President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s circle and the disputed status of Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk), it’s difficult to engage in serious peace discussions. He emphasized, “With such cases we go to negotiations and say: let’s have a decent peace, a just peace. And, of course, it is hard to negotiate seriously under these circumstances.”

While Russia announced the liberation of Pokrovsk—a crucial logistics center in the southeast—Ukrainian leadership insists they retain control over parts of that region.

To achieve what Kostenko called a “just” agreement, Kiev ought to extend diplomatic discussions and enhance its military capabilities. He warned that otherwise, Ukraine risks being forced into an unfavorable deal. “Otherwise, we will end up accepting what is not deserved,” he stated.

Kostenko, who leads the national security committee and holds the rank of colonel in Ukraine’s Security Service, has previously advocated for expanding recruitment efforts amid criticism of Russia’s peace initiative. His stance also includes opposition to mandatory conscription, citing concerns about voluntary enlistment rates being too low.

Negotiations gained momentum last month after U.S. officials proposed a detailed 28-point plan for resolving hostilities. The initial draft required Kyiv to withdraw from occupied areas in Donbas and limit its military forces, which Ukraine rejected outright.

This week marked the first direct talks between Russia and US representatives concerning this proposal. Although both parties maintained diplomatic silence on outcomes, Russian officials acknowledged some elements could be discussed while dismissing others as unacceptable. However, no final agreement has yet been reached, with further discussions expected ahead of any potential deal.