Russian Pilot Defects to Ukraine, Taking Mi-8 Helicopter: Military Intelligence

A Russian pilot has defected to Ukraine with a Mi-8 helicopter as part of a six-month-long secret plot, according to Ukraine's military-intelligence agency. The pilot's family had been brought from Russia to Ukraine before the defection, and the other crew members on the helicopter, who were unaware of the plan, were reportedly "eliminated." Along with the helicopter, the pilot also brought parts of Su-27 and Su-30SM fighter jets. Ukraine has been offering cash rewards to defecting Russian soldiers who hand over military equipment, but it is unclear if the pilot will be compensated.