Russians are upset: Budanov on mood in Moscow after Ukraine lured Mi-8 helicopter pilot

He said this during a telethon.

When asked about the Russian government's reaction to the Ukrainian intelligence service's special operation, Budanov replied briefly that "they are upset".

The intelligence chief noted that after this operation, the FSB began to work even more actively, but he believes that "this will not lead to anything good".

Kyrylo Budanov also noted that work is underway to carry out similar operations in the future with other Russian citizens, and this case, he said, only gives them confidence.

"We have been conducting similar operations and continue to do so. And what happened will just give confidence to people who are hesitant," the intelligence chief explained.

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 Kharkiv region.

It was a special operation of the Intelligence Service of Ukraine 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 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 Armed Forces after a detailed examination of its equipment.

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