According to a statement from Ukrainian military intelligence, published on Monday, September 4, a Russian helicopter pilot deserted and flew to Ukraine at the controls of his aircraft. According to information from the Ukrainian authorities, the special operation was carried out with the Russian Mi-8 soldier, opposed to the invasion, in secret.
“The pilot is now in Ukraine” while “the other two crew members who were unaware of his intentions and did not surrender died after landing,” Ukrainian military intelligence said. kyiv explains that it prepared “for months” for this operation after being contacted by the Russian pilot, named Maxime Kuzminov, who demanded security guarantees.
Ukrainian intelligence disclosed the details of the legendary “Bluebird” operation and showed the Russian pilot who stole a new Mi-8 helicopter for Ukraine and gave valuable secret information. He advised other Russian military personnel to follow suit and avoid being involved… pic.twitter.com/kKP6yoFO3j
When he had the opportunity while flying near the border, he hijacked his aircraft by flying “at very low altitude” to the specified location “for the delivery of his helicopter to the Ukrainian military”, details the ministry, without specifying the date of the operation.
According to Ukrainian military intelligence, he served in the 319th Helicopter Regiment of the Russian Air Force headquartered in Primorsky, in the Russian Far East. At the same time, his family was transported to Ukraine “safely”, writes Ukrainian military intelligence.
