It was on August 9 that the Mi-8 helicopter disappeared during a flight from Kursk, Russia.
The pro-Russian Telegram channel Fighterbomber was the first to report the disappearance on August 23. According to the channel, the helicopter veered off course and accidentally landed in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.
But according to the Ukrainian military intelligence service, GUR, it was in fact a carefully planned special operation that began to be planned just over six months ago.
Video footage released by the intelligence service shows Ukrainian soldiers approaching the helicopter, which reportedly landed about two miles from the Russian border.
War opponents became defectors
In a press conference organized by GUR on Tuesday, pilot Kuzminov described himself as an opponent of the war.
– I decided that this is a serious crime that I do not want to participate in, he says.
Via social media, he must have contacted the intelligence service himself.
– They guaranteed my safety and promised me new identification documents and compensation so that I could start a new life.
Two other crew members were said to have been in the helicopter, believing it was a routine transport mission. But Kuzminov says he changed course and flew at low altitude, in radio silence, towards Ukraine.
Was fired upon
When they crossed the border, they were fired upon, “probably from the Russian side,” and the pilot was wounded in the leg.
Kuzminov’s comrades became frightened and aggressive.
– When they realized where they had landed, they tried to escape. Unfortunately, they were eliminated, said the head of GUR Kyrolo Budanov in an earlier statement.
Kuzminov’s family reportedly left Russia before the defection took place and are now in Ukraine.
According to GUR, the pilot will receive a reward for handing over valuable military equipment.