Number of Russians willing to surrender increases after Synytsia Mi-8 operation

This was reported by the representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Andriy Yusov, on Radio Liberty.

"There is a jump in the I Want to Live line separately and through other communication channels after the Synytsia (Titmouse) successful operation with the Mi-8 and the pilot. For example, the number of Russian army servicemen who are considering a similar scenario has increased," the intelligence officer said.

It is reported that applications to the state project I Want to Live from Russians and their relatives increased by 70% per day.

Yusov also confirmed the information about the remuneration of the pilot Maxim Kuzminov, but did not name the exact amount.

"This information is more of a legend and a people's initiative. But, of course, there will be a reward for the MiG," the intelligence representative added.

What is known about the Synytsia special operation

On August 23, it was reported that a Russian Mi-8 helicopter had landed at one of Ukraine's airfields in the Kharkiv region.

It was a special operation of the Main Intelligence Directorate that lasted more than 6 months. Ukrainian intelligence lured the Mi-8 pilot to Ukraine. The aircraft was flying between two air bases and transporting parts for Su-27 and Su-30SM fighters.

There were two crew members on board with the pilot who did not know where the helicopter was actually flying. As a result of the special operation, two crew members were killed. The pilot and his family are in Ukraine, and the family was taken out of Russia in advance.

The helicopter is completely intact and will be returned to the Ukrainian Armed Forces after a detailed examination of its equipment.

On September 5, representatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate and the pilot provided details of the special operation.

The pilot of the Russian Mi-8 helicopter that was transferred to Ukraine, 28-year-old Maxim Kuzminov, will receive a reward of USD 500,000 in hryvnia equivalent.

On September 7, the head of Ukrainian intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, said that the Russian military leadership was "upset" by the hijacking and flight of an Mi-8 helicopter to Ukraine.