The GUR just confirmed the operation. A Russian Mi-8 carrying spare parts for fighter jets was lured into Ukraine in an operation that lasted over 6 months. Two crew members (unaware where they were heading) were reportedly eliminated while the Russian pilot was kept unharmed. He is reunited with his family that was taken to Ukraine earlier.
“Official information will be forthcoming. In advance, there is such information. We need to wait a little, the work will be done, including the crew. Everything will be fine, there will be news,” said Andriy Yusov, a representative of the GUR.
What’s the reward for defecting with a helicopter? I remember planes and tanks having pretty substantial amounts listed.
Someone else said $500,000 USD
Damn, I’d get my ass to Ukraine ASAP if I were a Russian pilot.
If you’re going to surrender bring gifts. It’s the polite thing to do.
Especially since Ukraine will pay out a bonus. This helicopter should net the crew about $500,000.
It sounds like the crew, except for the pilot was killed? Pretty brutal for the crew. I assume there was no other option
Ironically, these days the Ruskies couldn’t give less of a fuck about their comrades.
If a nation starts shooting at their own civilian aircraft you know something has gone seriously wrong.
It will make for a good movie later.
