According to spokesperson Andriy Yusov, the agency strategically enticed a Russian military pilot to land his Mi-8 helicopter at a Ukrainian airfield.
In a calculated move, Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence agency has successfully executed a daring operation centered around a Russian helicopter
Although accounts of the event vary among media outlets, Yusov clarified that this operation unfolded according to plan.
The implications of this achievement are substantial. Capturing an operational Russian helicopter and its pilot stands as a remarkable feat for Ukraine. This maneuver not only offers an opportunity to bolster its limited aviation resources but also potentially provides valuable insights into the Russian air force.
Ukrainska Pravda, a Ukrainian media source, disclosed that unnamed intelligence insiders indicated that the GUR agency invested over half a year to persuade the pilot to collaborate, resulting in the Russian helicopter’s flight to Ukraine. Reportedly, the Russian helicopter touched down in eastern Ukraine alongside the pilot, while two uninformed crew members were subsequently eliminated.
Renowned Ukrainian military journalist Yuriy Butusov revealed that the Mi-8 Russian helicopter had landed at a Ukrainian air base “some time ago,” citing undisclosed sources within the Ukrainian military command.
Butusov affirmed the Russian helicopter’s operational status and revealed plans for its integration into the Ukrainian armed forces following thorough examination
GUR spokesperson Yusov addressed the incident on national television, stating that the organization was actively engaging with the Russian helicopter crew and assured that official updates would be provided shortly.
Despite repeated attempts, Russia‘s defense ministry has yet to respond to Reuters’ request for commentary on the matter.
The Fighterbomber Telegram channel, known for its pro-war stance, released information suggesting that the Russian helicopter had inadvertently landed in Ukraine after becoming disoriented “a couple of weeks ago.”
This event follows Ukraine’s previous accusation, where its domestic security service indicted several Ukrainian military personnel for treason due to an unsuccessful endeavor to coax a Russian pilot into landing at a Ukrainian air base. This previous incident resulted in a fatal Russian missile strike on the location in July 2022.
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