Andriy Yusov, a representative from Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), confirmed the death of Russian aviator Kuzminov, known for defecting with a Russian Mi-8 combat helicopter to a Ukrainian airbase in the Kharkiv area in August 2023. Yusov offered no further information regarding the incident.
Reports from Russian outlets indicate that Maksim Kuzminov was fatally shot, his body was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds in an underground parking facility in Villajoyosa, Alicante, Spain.
In a notable operation dubbed “Titmouse” by Ukrainian intelligence last August, Kuzminov defected with the Mi-8 helicopter, delivering it along with crucial documents and secretive technology to Ukrainian forces.
Kuzminov cited his dissent against Russia’s military actions in Ukraine as his reason for the defection, expressing his unwillingness to partake in the invasion.
He was promised safety, new identity documents, and a financial reward in exchange for his cooperation.
In a documentary released by HUR, Kuzminov voiced his dismay over the ongoing conflict, denouncing the violence and asserting the absence of fascists or Nazis in Ukraine.
He lamented the senseless loss of life and described the situation as a genocide against the Ukrainian people.
“Don’t get too excited,” Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-appointed official in Ukraine, wrote. “They want to create a new biography with a clean slate and a new name for the traitor.”
Kuzminov appeared last September at a high-profile press conference in Kyiv flanked by two uniformed Ukrainian service personnel.
He said he had tried to reassure his two fellow pilots they would be well treated in Ukraine. “But they got afraid, began behaving aggressively, and eventually rushed out of the helicopter.”
“I can’t say for sure who started it, but I assume it was the Russian side. I was shot in the leg with small arms. I then flew about 20km away and landed at the designated location,” Kuzminov said.
He claimed he only performed transport operations to move military personnel or cargo and did not bomb Ukraine.
