According to the representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kirill Budanov, Ukrainian intelligence operatives secretly negotiated with Russian pilots for the transfer of a Russian army Mi-8 helicopter.
Source: Budanov’s interview to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalists.
What is known about the operation to capture the Russian military helicopter?
“We were able to find the right approach to the person, create conditions to discreetly evacuate the entire family, and ultimately set up conditions for him to fly the aircraft with a crew that was unaware of what was happening. When they realized where they had landed, they tried to escape. Unfortunately, they were eliminated; we wished to capture them alive, but we have what we have,” Budanov explained.
According to the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, the helicopter is currently in Kyiv. Budanov added that people will be able to see the helicopter and speak with its pilot after the release of the ‘official footage.’ The pilot is feeling well, everything is fine with him. He has two options, but he’s inclined to stay here,” Budanov reported.
Currently, Budanov considers this operation to be one of the best conducted by his agency in the entire history of Ukraine.
How did the Main Intelligence Directorate conduct the helicopter capture operation?
Ukrayinska Pravda, citing intelligence sources, reports that it was a special operation by the Main Intelligence Directorate that lasted for six months.
Intelligence managed to lure the Mi-8 AMTSh helicopter pilot to Ukraine. It is also reported that two crew members were eliminated, while the pilot was taken captive. Prior to this, his family was evacuated to Ukraine.
The Mi-8, along with components for fighter jets that were intended for the occupiers, is also now in Ukraine. Russian Telegram channels reported that the helicopter supposedly landed in Poltava, losing its orientation.