Ukrainian military intelligence is engaging in dialogue with several more Russian pilots

8 September, 2023 Captured Russian Mi-8AMTSh helicopter. September 2023. Photo from open sources

Ukrainian military intelligence is engaging in dialogue with several more Russian military pilots. Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, transparently hinted at this fact during a national telethon. This took place when he was commenting on the successful special operation "Synytsia"(Titmouse), as a result of which a Russian pilot flew the Mi-8AMTSh helicopter to the territory controlled by Ukraine.

According to Budanov, the case of Russian pilot Maksim Kuzminov can become an example for other Russian pilots, in particular for those with whom the dialogue is still ongoing. "We have had such communication with a few more people, and it continues. And what happened will simply give confidence to those people who are still hesitating," the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said.

Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov.

Photo credits: The New York Times

Kyrylo Budanov added that after the "Synytsia" special operation, the higher military and political leadership of the aggressor state was "upset". In this regard, the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation has significantly intensified its work. However, the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine believes this will not help them.

Militarnyi reported that as part of a special operation that lasted six months, the Defence Intelligence managed to seize a Mi-8AMTSh helicopter together with the equipment it was carrying.