2023-08-23 18:34:31
A Russian military helicopter has reportedly landed in Ukraineafter the pilot was persuaded to defect as part of a six-month intelligence operation.
The twin-engine Mi-8 AMTSh was flying between two air bases, carrying parts for the Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets, Ukrainska Pravda newspaper reported, citing intelligence sources.
Initial reports in Russian propaganda channels claimed that the crew had become disoriented and landed at the base by mistake. It was then reported that the crew had been attacked by Ukraine and the crew members were killed.
A curious story has been revealed today.
A Russian pilot of a Mi-8 AMTSH defected with his helicopter to Ukraine few weeks ago. The chopper was transporting spare parts for Su-27 and Su-30M fighter jets. The operation was coordinated with the Ukrainian intelligence. The other 2… pic.twitter.com/mUkiLp8QpW
— (((Tender))) (@Tender) August 23, 2023
A spokesman for Ukraine’s military intelligence service appeared to confirm that the plane had landed in Ukraine, but did not provide details.
“There will be official announcements. We have to wait a little bit,” official Andriy Yusov told state television.
The news of the pilot’s possible defection came days after a drone attack destroyed a Russian supersonic bomber at an airfield hundreds of kilometers from Ukraine.
With information from Guardian, Kyiv Post
#Russian #pilot #allegedly #defected #Ukraine #military #helicopter