a russian pilot deserts with his military helicopter | EUROtoday
The operation, carried out throughout the summer time, was arrange after a number of months of discussions between the soldier and the Ukrainian authorities.
By BL
![The helicopter is an Mi-8. It is now in the hands of the Ukrainian army. The helicopter is an Mi-8. It is now in the hands of the Ukrainian army.](https://static.lpnt.fr/images/2023/09/04/25143517lpw-25143525-mega-une-jpg_9743928_660x287.jpg)
© HANDOUT / Russian Defense Ministry / AFP
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SAccording to a press launch from Ukrainian military intelligence, printed Monday, September 4, a Russian helicopter pilot has abandoned and joined Ukraine on the controls of his plane. According to info from the Ukrainian authorities, the particular operation was carried out with the Russian Mi-8 soldier, against the invasion, in secret.
“The pilot is now in Ukraine” whereas “the other two crew members who did not know his intentions and did not surrender died after landing,” mentioned Ukrainian military intelligence. kyiv explains that it ready “for months” for this operation after being contacted by the Russian pilot, named Maxime Kouzminov, who demanded safety ensures.
Ukrainian intelligence disclosed the main points of the legendary “Bluebird” operation and confirmed the Russian pilot who stole a new Mi-8 helicopter for Ukraine and gave helpful secret info.
He suggested different Russian military personnel to observe go well with and keep away from being concerned… pic.twitter.com/kKP6yoFO3j
—Victoria (@victoriaslog) September 3, 2023
His household transported to Ukraine
When he had the chance whereas flying close to the border, he hijacked his plane by flying “at very low altitude” to the required location “for the delivery of his helicopter to the Ukrainian soldiers”, particulars the ministry, with out specifying the date of the operation.
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According to Ukrainian military intelligence, he served within the 319th Helicopter Regiment of the Russian Air Force headquartered in Primorsky, within the Russian Far East. At the identical time, his household was transported to Ukraine “safely”, writes Ukrainian military intelligence.
https://www.lepoint.fr/monde/guerre-en-ukraine-un-pilote-russe-deserte-avec-son-helicoptere-militaire-04-09-2023-2534066_24.php#xtor=RSS-221