Maksim Kuzminov, the 28-year-old Russian pilot of a Mi-8 helicopter, made headlines when he voluntarily surrendered to Ukrainian authorities after landing at a Ukrainian airfield on August 23.
Kuzminov urged fellow Russian pilots to consider his example in a documentary titled “Downed Russian Pilots” which recently aired on Ukrainian television, and reported by the Kyiv Independent.
The helicopter’s landing was part of a meticulously planned Ukrainian operation, the result of over six months of efforts by Ukrainian military intelligence to bring both the aircraft and its pilot to Ukraine safely.
Kuzminov’s family was evacuated from Russia and is currently in Ukraine with him, emphasising the significance of his decision.
Tragically, the two other crew members aboard the helicopter were unaware of its destination and lost their lives.
In the documentary, the operation’s intricacies were unveiled, and Kuzminov passionately appealed to other Russian pilots to consider following his lead.
He assured them that such a decision would not be regretted, as they would receive comprehensive support for the rest of their lives, including employment opportunities of their choosing.
Ukraine pledged to offer Russian pilots who decide to defect all legally mandated security guarantees, along with financial compensation for any military aircraft transferred.
Kuzminov also reportedly provided valuable insights into Russia’s army aviation, communication systems, and airfield network.
