Maxim Kuzminov, a Russian pilot who landed an Mi-8 helicopter on Ukrainian territory in the summer of 2023, has died in Spain, Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Ministry spokesman Andriy Yusov announced on February 19.
Yusov did not provide details about the pilot’s death.
Also read: Ukrainian intelligence behind Russian Mi-8 helicopter “surrender” — Budanov
At the same time, NV’s sister publication Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing sources, that Kuzminov had been murdered in Spain. A burnt-out car, believed to have been used by the assailants to flee the scene, was found near the scene of the death.
“He decided not to stay here and move to Spain,” the source said.
“What we do know is that he invited his ex-girlfriend to his home and was later found shot to death.”
Also read: Russian Mi-8 helicopter and crew surrendered to Ukrainian army, journalist says
Earlier, Russian Telegram channels and media had published reports about Kuzminov’s murder in Spain, citing Spanish media reports. The publication claimed he suffered from five to 12 gunshot wounds. Authorities also found a burnt out car that “disappeared from the scene after the murder.” According to local residents, many foreigners, including Ukrainians and Russians, live in the area where the bodies were found.
On August 23, 2023, Kuzminov landed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter in Poltava Oblast and handed over the aircraft to Ukraine. Official sources later confirmed that this was the conclusion of a six-month operation by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Service.
In addition to the aircraft themselves, the transfer also included spare parts for Su-27 and Su-30 fighters.
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