"The pilot of the Russian helicopter that landed on a Ukrainian airfield voluntarily diverted the aircraft. His family was discreetly transported to Ukraine. The other crew members were unaware of this and attempted to escape. They were eliminated," stated Kyrylo Budanov, the Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense. He shared this information in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
"We managed to find the right approach to the individual (the pilot), we managed to create conditions to secretly transport the entire family, and ultimately create conditions for him to transfer the aircraft with a crew that didn't know what was happening. When they realized where they had landed, they attempted to escape. Unfortunately, they were eliminated. We would have preferred to capture them alive, but we have what we have," said Budanov.
He noted that the helicopter is currently in Kyiv and it will be possible to see it and speak with the pilot after the release of the "official film."
According to Budanov, the pilot is "feeling well, everything is fine" and he has two options, but he is leaning towards staying in Ukraine, as reported by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate. Budanov does not disclose the pilot's motivation.
He referred to this operation as one of the best carried out by the Main Intelligence Directorate in the entire history of Ukraine.
On August 23rd, the Main Intelligence Directorate lured a Russian military Mi-8 helicopter, which landed on a Ukrainian airfield. The agency confirmed the special operation and promised to provide details later. The helicopter landed in the Kharkiv region.
