'Ceasefire' not holding on frontlines — Ukrainian Security Service colonel

He made these comments in an interview with Espreso correspondent Kateryna Halko.

Kostenko said it's completely possible that Russia could stage terrorist attacks or provocations inside its own territory.

“We know that Russia has long used terrorist attacks to rally its population. So, we can’t rule this out. I won’t say what the probability is, because we don’t know their plans or their exact intentions. Well, intelligence might know, but perhaps not everything. But to claim they’re planning something 100% — we can’t be sure of that. As for missile strikes, I think we’ll see,” said the SBU colonel.

He also stated that the "ceasefire" is not really working; while some areas are quieter, fighting is still ongoing in others.

“As for the ceasefire Russia claims they’re offering, that if they’re not launching missiles or Shaheds at us, then this is their version of a ceasefire. Last night, at least in Kyiv and the surrounding regions, there were no Shahed attacks. So, maybe for Russia, this is a ceasefire, but it’s not for me. A ceasefire is when there are rules, when both sides agree, and when there’s control over it — then it’s a ceasefire. What Russia is doing is just an attempt to hold a victory parade at home and ensure the safety of world leaders. Those who, well, came to celebrate with the terrorists,” Kostenko emphasized.

When asked if any of the guests at the Moscow parade surprised him, Kostenko said they all did, given that Russia is waging an aggressive war.

“Russia is a terrorist state, and it’s killing civilians in the heart of Europe. So, who else is thinking of supporting this and confirming it with their presence? Of course, this is big politics, with everyone trying to get the most out of it. Some of the major leaders who came are clearly looking to extract benefits for their countries, putting economy over common sense. But unfortunately, this is the kind of politics we’re dealing with now. I don’t understand any of them. I somewhat understand what they want, but from the perspective of world leaders — those who are supposed to guide their countries toward prosperity and peace — this goes against everything the civilized world stands for,” the SBU colonel said.

• On May 8, during the so-called ceasefire, the Russian army carried out strikes on Ukraine's Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Poltava regions. As a result of the attacks, there are dead and wounded.