Fugitive Russian pilot shot dead in Spain It was a revenge helicopter hijacking

• Article prepared for Onet.pl by the editorial board of the monthly “Lotnictwo” and website portalmilitarny.pl

It is worth recalling that the secret operation to hijack the Mil Mi-8AMTSz helicopter took place on the afternoon of August 9, 2023. The helicopter was on a routine mission with the 28-year-old pilot, who decided to return to Ukraine. A flight between two bases in the Kursk region on the Russian border carrying spare parts for Su-27 and Su-30SM fighter jets. Shortly after takeoff, Captain Maxim Kuzminov of the 319th Independent Helicopter Squadron deliberately steered his machine toward Ukraine.

After crossing the border, he landed where intelligence indicated in Kharkiv province. In addition to Kuzmino, there were two crew members aboard the Mi-8AMTSz who were not privy to the escape plan. After landing in Ukraine, Captain Khushbakht Tursunov and Senior Lieutenant Nikita Kiryanov did not want to surrender and tried to resist the Ukrainian soldiers who were waiting for the helicopter, as a result of which they were shot.

GUR / New Military Technology

The Mi-8AMTSz captured by deception suffered only minor damage in the shoot and after repairs was put into service with the Special Air Force of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine.

The entire operation to take the helicopter was prepared for more than six months, during which the family of the future fugitive was first evacuated from Russia. Initially, the Russian side tried to present the incident as an accidental loss of a young pilot who had difficulties navigating near the border in conditions of electronic warfare. However, doubts were dispelled after GUR aired a documentary with the participation of Kuzminov, who admitted to acting deliberately and condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

GUR / New Military Technology

Russian helicopter pilot captain. Maksym Kuzmin during a press conference

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Captain Maksim Kuzminov and his family will be placed in a safe place. Also, on September 5, 2023, it was announced that Maksym Kuzminov will receive a prize of PLN 500,000. hole The hideout is not properly secured. Guzmino's body was found dead with five gunshot wounds on the morning of February 13 in a parking lot in the Spanish town of Vila Joyosa. Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukrainian military intelligence, confirmed his death.