Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) stated Monday that it foiled a Ukrainian attempt to divert a military helicopter by recruiting its pilot.
Ukrainian military intelligence officers tried to recruit a Russian military pilot to divert this aircraft to an area controlled by the Ukrainian armed forces, the FSB stated, adding that the helicopter was a Mi-8MTPR-1.
Authorities did not define when the occurrence occurred but said that intelligence acquired during the operation had permitted strikes to be carried out on Ukrainian positions.The Russian state news firm RIA Novosti, citing the FSB, said the pilot was called by Ukrainian security services and asked to toxin the remainder of the helicopter crew before flying the aircraft across the front line.In July, the FSB claimed to have foiled a comparable attempt targeting a tactical bomber, with the Russian pilot being guaranteed a financial award and Italian citizenship.In the summer season of 2023, Ukraine hired a Russian helicopter pilot, Maxim Kuzminov, who deserted the military and flew aMi-8 aircraft to area under Ukrainian control.Kuzminov was found dead in Spain previously this year.