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I Was Flying at Extremely Low Altitude, - Maksym Kuzminov, a Pilot, Told How He Transferred Mi-8 from russia to Ukraine
September 3, 2023
I Was Flying at Extremely Low Altitude, - Maksym Kuzminov, a Pilot, Told How He Transferred Mi-8 from russia to Ukraine

In a documentary "Zbyti Lyotchyky rossii" ("Downed Pilots of russia"), a person of the russian pilot, who flew the russian aerospace forces Mi-8AMTSh helicopter to Ukraine as part of the special operation of the Ukrainian military intelligence under the code name "Synytsia", is revealed.

The name of the pilot is Maksym Kuzminov, his rank is Captain, and he is Mi-8 helicopter commander.

28-year-old russian pilot served in 319th separate helicopter regiment of army aviation of the aggressor state ― military unit no. 13984 that located in prymorskyi krai of russia.

"I got in touch with the Ukrainian intelligence, explained my situation and was offered safety guarantee, the new documents, and monetary compensation, a reward. We discussed these details and started planning my flight," Maksym Kuzminov told.

According to the pilot, it was possible to keep the risky operation a secret and successfully complete it, as the military intelligence of Ukraine was able to organize a safe corridor:

"I realised I was close to the border. I shared my location with them. [...] I crossed the border at an extremely low altitude and in radio silence mode. Nobody knew what was going on with me. Nobody understood what had happened for three to four days. I finished the flight, it was successful, I landed," the russian pilot said.

The main motive for his deed, Maksym Kuzminov cites his categorical rejection of the aggressive war, waged by russia against Ukraine as well as his reluctance to be involved in war crimes:

"What is going on right now is a genocide of the Ukrainian people. Not only of the Ukrainian people but of the russian people as well. The reason for my decision is not to contribute to these crimes. I know perfectly well how this will end: Ukraine will definitely win this war just because the people are very united. The whole world helps because it understands that human life must be valued first of all... Nobody wants this war," 28-year-old russian officer explained.

Maksym Kuzminov also called on other russian pilots to follow his example.

"If you do what I have done, a deed like this, you will definitely not regret it. You will discover a world of bright colours. And remember: you just do not know a lot of things; you have not seen a lot of how other people live. When you discover all this, your opinion will change drastically," the russian pilot emphasized.

The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reminds that our state provides all security guarantees and rewards provided for by international law, Ukrainian legislation and relevant state programs to russian pilots who will transport serviceable aircraft to Ukraine.

DI of Ukraine
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