Russian Pilot Who Defected to Ukraine Found Dead in Spain
Maxim Kuzminov, a Russian pilot who made a daring escape to Ukraine by flying his helicopter across the border, has been found dead in Spain, according to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR). The news of his death comes after a man was shot to death on February 13 inside a parking garage in Villajoyosa, a seaside resort on the Mediterranean Sea.
Identity Still to be Determined
Initially, the Spanish Civil Guard in Alicante province reported that the victim was a 33-year-old Ukrainian. However, they later stated that the identity of the body was still to be determined as part of an ongoing investigation. The body is currently under the supervision of forensic examiners in Alicante province.
Confirmation from Ukraine’s GUR
A source at Ukraine’s GUR confirmed to CNN that the body found in Spain was that of Maxim Kuzminov. However, they did not provide any details regarding the cause of his death. The shooting occurred in a neighborhood where Russian and Ukrainian expatriates have settled since the war began.
Russia’s Response
When asked about Kuzminov’s death, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia had no information on the matter. Russian Foreign Intelligence Director Sergey Naryshkin also refrained from commenting directly on Kuzminov’s death but referred to him as a “moral corpse” for defecting to Ukraine.
Threats and Defection
Shortly after Kuzminov defected, Russian TV aired a segment about him on the program “Vesti Nedeli,” which included threats against him. A man in a military uniform, whose face was covered, stated, “We can’t let such a thing go, we will punish him for such actions.” This segment raised concerns about Kuzminov’s safety.
Condolences from Freedom for Russia Legion
The Freedom for Russia Legion, a group associated with Ukraine’s GUR and comprised of Russian nationals fighting for Ukraine, expressed their condolences to Kuzminov’s family and friends. They described him as a “real warrior and honest man” and stated that Ukraine had fulfilled all its obligations to him.
The Defection
Kuzminov defected in August after his family was safely taken out of Russia by Kyiv. According to the head of the GUR, Kyrolo Budanov, it was the first successful operation of its kind. When Kuzminov flew into Ukraine, the two other Russian service members on board the helicopter with him were unaware of what was happening. They were killed while attempting to escape after realizing they had landed in Ukraine.
Opposition to the War
In an interview published by the GUR in September, Kuzminov explained his reasons for defecting. He stated that he fled Russia because he was opposed to the war. Ukrainian intelligence representatives offered him safety, new documents, monetary compensation, and a reward for his defection.
A Daring Escape
Kuzminov’s defection occurred during a flight near the border. After relaying his location, he made the decision to attempt the escape, saying, “let’s give it a try, I’m not that far away.” He flew at an extremely low altitude in radio silence mode, ensuring that no one understood what was happening.
The investigation into Maxim Kuzminov’s death is ongoing, and the circumstances surrounding his demise remain unclear. The news of his death has sent shockwaves through the Russian and Ukrainian expatriate communities in Spain. As the investigation progresses, more details about this tragic incident are expected to emerge.
CNN’s Victoria Butenko and Andrew Carey reported from Kyiv, Ukraine, while Al Goodman reported from Madrid.
