A video aired on Ukrainian television allegedly shows a Russian pilot who defected and encourages other soldiers to do the same. The pilot’s escape took six months to plan and was carried out with Ukraine’s intelligence services. Although the video’s authenticity is uncertain, Ukraine is actively trying to encourage Russian defections. Louise NORDSTROM reported
Newly Released Video Allegedly Shows Russian Pilot’s Dramatic Defection to Ukraine
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In a rare and compelling video, which aired on Ukrainian television on Sunday, a Russian pilot who had reportedly defected appeared, encouraging other Russian soldiers to follow his lead. The pilot’s daring escape was said to have taken six months of careful planning and coordination with Ukraine’s intelligence services. While the authenticity of the video remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Ukraine is actively working to fuel Russian defections.
The incident began on August 23, when a Russian Mi-8 assault helicopter crossed the border into Ukraine and landed at the Poltava Air Base in Kharkiv. The helicopter was carrying three individuals – a pilot and two crew members. Tragically, the two crew members were reportedly killed while attempting to flee shortly after landing.
Initial reports suggested that the pilot had lost his way and the helicopter had mistakenly ended up in Ukraine. However, subsequent news reports revealed that the incident was no accident but a meticulously planned defection, with Ukraine’s military intelligence services playing a crucial role.
The pilot, identified as 28-year-old Maksim Kuzminov, appeared in a documentary-style video on Ukrainian national television, confirming his defection and providing details of his escape. He revealed that his family had also been relocated to safety in Ukraine. Kuzminov strongly criticized Russia’s justification for the war, dismissing claims of a “neo-Nazi” regime in Ukraine and instead describing the situation as a “genocide” that he wanted no part in. He urged other Russian soldiers to join him in defecting, promising them financial support, job opportunities, and a new identity.
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While the video has yet to be verified, Ryhor Nizhnikau, a senior research fellow specializing in Russia and Eastern Europe, believes it to be authentic based on the details provided. However, he also acknowledged that it should be viewed in the context of Ukraine’s information war against Russia and its propaganda efforts.
This video release is part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign to persuade Russian soldiers to defect. In April 2022, Ukraine’s parliament passed a law offering substantial rewards for anyone supplying Russian military equipment, specifically targeting demoralized Russian troops. The rewards range from $100,000 for tanks to $1 million for warships or combat aircraft. The hope is that these incentives will provide an additional reason for Russian soldiers to lay down their arms.
Additionally, Ukraine launched the “I Want to Live” hotline in September last year, specifically targeting Russian and Belarusian soldiers considering defection. The hotline operates around the clock and is accessible via phone, Telegram, and WhatsApp. Defectors have the option of participating in a prisoner swap with Russia or remaining in custody, with the possibility of either staying in Ukraine or emigrating to another country.
Despite the striking nature of Kuzminov’s video and the reported influx of calls to the hotline, experts believe that the overall rate of Russian defections remains relatively low. Nizhnikau estimates that only a few dozen to low hundreds of soldiers have defected thus far. One reason for this is that a significant portion of Russian recruits are volunteers who have willingly chosen to go to war and are less likely to defect. Additionally, many Russian soldiers are well aware of the realities of life on the front lines and the limitations of the Russian military.
While reaching potential defectors within Russia poses a challenge due to limited access and the absence of targeted advertising, the Ukrainian intelligence services did manage to successfully connect with Kuzminov. This sophisticated operation required extensive preparation, demonstrating Ukraine’s commitment to encouraging Russian soldiers to defect.
As Ukraine continues its efforts to fuel Russian defections, the impact of videos like Kuzminov’s remains to be seen. However, they serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing conflict and the individuals caught in the midst of it..
