Russia's FSB claims to disrupt Ukrainian intelligence operation to hijack Russian aircraft, supposedly involving Bellingcat investigator Grozev

The statement was shared by the Russian mass media.

The FSB announced that it disrupted the operation of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to steal combat aircraft. It was allegedly overseen by NATO special services, and the chief investigator of Bellingcat Hristo Grozev was involved in the operation itself.

The FSB claims that Ukrainian intelligence officers tried to recruit Russian pilots who were supposed to fly planes to the Kanatovo airfield near Kropyvnytskyi for a monetary reward and guarantees of obtaining citizenship of one of the EU countries.

The FSB claims that Ukrainian intelligence promised $2 million to the pilots for hijacking the planes. For pilots’ willingness to steal the plane, officers were to pay $4,000 in advance through couriers. Russian special services showed a video in which they allegedly detain a courier and take money from him.

According to the FSB, Hristo Grozev participated in the operation and found two couriers who participated in the transfer of money.