A Russian pilot (Captain Maxim Kuzminov) defected to Ukraine by hijacking a Mi-8 helicopter from the 319th Separate Helicopter Regiment and flying it to a Ukrainian airbase in the Kharkiv region as part of a six-month special operation called 'Titmouse' executed by Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR).
Two or more independent sources agree on the core facts. Additional sources would further strengthen this assessment.
How we assess confidence →Entities
Source Reports
What each source reports. "Source tone" reflects the language used by the outlet — it is not an independent verification.
The incident was not a mishap but the culmination of a meticulously planned six-month special operation executed by HUR
The operation involved capturing the Mi-8 helicopter and acquiring valuable documentation and secret technical equipment
Two other crew members chose not to surrender and lost their lives upon landing
The Russians were advancing from the area of Novoselivske and attempted to cut off the Ukrainian defenders' group with a flank attack and encircle some of the brigade's units holding the defence there, but to no avail
Share This Event
Know another source?
If you've seen this event covered by another news outlet, submit it for editorial review. Approved sources improve our confidence ratings.
This event is rated likely. One more trusted source could elevate it to verified.
Extraction metadata
Extracted: 2026-03-08T00:17:42.663Z
Source story: 21236