The Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, citing the FSB, explains that the pilot contacted by the kyiv services was allegedly asked to poison the rest of the crew before flying the helicopter to the other side. from the front line and deliver it to the Ukrainians.
War in Ukraine: German Chancellor wants to speak soon with Vladimir Putin
In July, the FSB claimed to have foiled a similar attempt, this time targeting a strategic bomber, with the complicity of a “Russian military pilot, in exchange for a financial reward and Italian citizenship”.
In the summer of 2023, Ukraine managed to recruit a Russian helicopter pilot, Maxim Kouzminov, opposed to the conflict, who had deserted aboard a Mi-8 aircraft and joined the territory under Ukrainian control.
This deserter was found dead in Spain in early 2024. Russia has been repeatedly accused of eliminating its adversaries, both at home and abroad, but it has always denied these allegations.
Ukraine also regularly accuses Moscow of seeking to recruit agents on the Ukrainian side.
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) announced in May that it had “dismantled a network of agents” of the FSB who were preparing the assassination of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and had arrested two Ukrainian officers who were part of it.
Related News :