"Russian Pilot's Defection to Ukraine Earns Him $500,000 Reward"

Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov, who defected to Ukraine with a Mi-8 helicopter, will receive a reward of $500,000 in the national currency, the hryvnia. Ukraine's military intelligence spokesman called on other Russian military personnel to defect and join Ukraine. The operation involved Kuzminov flying the helicopter into Ukrainian territory, where he was met by Ukrainian special forces. Two Russian crew members were killed after refusing to surrender. The helicopter was carrying spare parts for Russian fighter jets. Ukraine has an official list of rewards for Russian soldiers who defect with military equipment.