Russian pilot landed helicopter in Ukraine reveals special operation’s details

First, the Russian Mi-8 pilot was shown in the teaser of the Downed Russian Pilots documentary from the Military Intelligence of Ukraine series.

The film tells about the details of the special operation conducted by Ukrainian intelligence officers.

In the announcement, the Russian pilot said: "No one wants this war. You will see when Ukraine will win - it is only a matter of time."

The head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, has already shared some details of the Synytsia (Titmouse - ukr.) operation in a commentary to Ukrainska Pravda.

"We were able to find the right approach to the pilot, take his entire family out unnoticed, and eventually create conditions so that he could overtake the aircraft with the crew, who did not know what was happening. When they realized where they had landed, they tried to escape. Unfortunately, they were shot down. I would have liked to take them alive, but we have what we have," he says.

Later, the Defense Intelligence noted that the Russian pilot's name was Maxim Kuzminov. He served in the 319th Separate Helicopter Regiment of the Russian Army Aviation.

According to Kuzminov, he contacted the Ukrainian intelligence service himself: "I contacted the Ukrainian intelligence service and explained my situation. I was offered security guarantees, new documents, monetary compensation, and a reward. We discussed the details and started planning my flight."

Maxim Kuzminov says the main motivation for his action was his categorical rejection of the aggressive war that Russia has unleashed against Ukraine, as well as his unwillingness to be involved in war crimes.

"What is happening now is simply a genocide of the Ukrainian people, both Ukrainian and Russian. The basis of my action is not to hide these crimes," the Russian pilot said.

The documentary Downed Russian Pilots will be shown on 3 September at 22:15 as part of a national telethon

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 Ukraine’s defense intelligence special operation 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.

It is also noted that along with the pilot, there were two crew members on board 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.