Kiev (AFP) – A Russian pilot defected to Ukraine last month flying a Mi-8 combat helicopter because he opposed Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Uzbekistan released an interview with the pilot today, in which he explained the course of the operation. According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the Russian pilot is 28-year-old Maxim Kuzminov, who was previously on the 319th Independent Helicopter in Russia’s Far Eastern Primorye region (Far Eastern Primorye region). Legionnaires serve.
In a statement, the GIS described how it led the “long-term special operation” “in top secrecy”, starting with Kuzminov after it was discovered that he opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The GIS stated that its personnel assisted Kuzminov to fly to Ukraine, while the other two helicopter crew members, who knew nothing about Kuzminov’s plan to defect to Ukraine, were killed when they arrived and refused to surrender. .
The GIS also released a video in which armed Ukrainian troops can be seen approaching a Russian helicopter with a clearly identifiable red star painted on its fuselage.
Kuzminov said: “I contacted representatives of Ukrainian intelligence and explained my situation… They assured me of safety, gave me documents, monetary compensation and rewards. We discussed the details and directly started planning the flight. “
He said he flew near the border “at very low altitude in radio silent mode” and “communicated my location”.
Kiev authorities said Ukraine had also provided “safety assurances” to Kuzminov’s family and had sent them safely to Ukraine.
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2023-09-05 05:10:10
