Plans for a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine have been known since January.  Captured pilot spoke about the criminal orders of the leadership of the Russian Federation

He spoke about this at a briefing, Espresso.TV reports.

According to Kryshtop, who was detained in Kharkiv, back in January, his leadership warned about military operations in Ukraine.

“A part of our airfield was brought up with ammunition. After that, the exercises began. Officially, this was carried out as a preparation for the Russian-Belarusian exercises-2022. The combat order was received on February 23 from 18:00 to 20:00, and then there was an order to strike at the territory of Ukraine, starting February 24", the Russian pilot said.

He also noted that he dropped tons of high-explosive bombs during each sortie.  At the same time, according to him, he did not immediately realize that he was dropping bombs on settlements.

"In the process of carrying out a combat mission, I realized that the goal was not military facilities, but residential buildings and civilians. But I fulfilled the criminal order. After the bombing, I was shot down by the air defense systems of Ukraine. After landing, I was taken prisoner by servicemen of the National Guard of Ukraine", the Russian pilot said.

"I realize and acknowledge the terrible crimes committed by me. I want to ask forgiveness from the entire Ukrainian people for the misfortune that we have brought them. I promise to make every effort to ensure that this war ends as soon as possible. And to hold everyone accountable guilty of the genocide of the Ukrainian people. I appeal to my brother-soldiers: immediately stop carrying out criminal orders ... I believe that we have already lost this war ... ", he summed up.