CNN —A Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine last month has revealed details of the daring operation to fly across the border in his Mi8 combat helicopter, in an interview published by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence.
The pilot, named by Ukrainian officials as Maxim Kuzminov, explained in the interview how he planned his defection and why he felt compelled to do so.
We would prefer (to take) them alive, but it is what it is.”Maxim Kuzminov speaking in an interview published Monday.
Defence Intelligence of UkraineIn the interview released Monday, the pilot detailed how the event unfolded.
In the newly published interview, the pilot also pushed back against Russian misinformation about the invasion of Ukraine.
Persons:
Maxim Kuzminov, “, ’, Kyrolo Budanov, ” Budanov, ” Maxim, ‘, I’m, ”, Yuriy Butusov
Organizations:
CNN, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, Radio Liberty, . Defence Intelligence, Ukrainian, Russian Telegram, Eastern Military District, Defense Ministry, Ukrainian Armed Forces
Locations:
Russian, Ukraine, Poltava, Ukrainian