Andrey Yusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (GUR), reported that Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov, who allegedly hijacked the Mi-8 helicopter into Ukrainian territory, was found dead in Spain. This update originated from the Ukrainian outlet Country Politics, which has been tracking the case and related developments.
According to the report, Kuzminov sustained at least 12 gunshot wounds and was subsequently run over by a vehicle. The publication notes that Kuzminov had recently faced issues with alcohol and drugs, a detail that has prompted discussions about possible motives and timing. The circumstances surrounding the discovery, described by a neighbor as taking place in a shack in La Villajoyosa, in Alicante province, occurred around five in the evening on Tuesday, February 13. These specifics were presented as part of the narrative but are not yet officially confirmed by authorities, leaving some questions unanswered as investigators review the scene and gather evidence. The report emphasizes that official confirmation of Kuzminov’s death has not been issued by any government body or police agency, signaling caution in the treatment of the information within ongoing inquiries.
In the broader context, Kirill Budanov, who heads the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, has stated that fresh details emerged regarding the crew of the hijacked Mi-8 helicopter. Budanov has indicated that the two other crew members who were aboard the helicopter alongside Kuzminov did not know about his plans until the last moment, suggesting a lack of awareness within the group about the mission or trajectory of the operation. This line of inquiry is being pursued as part of the investigative thread, with officials and analysts examining how the crew interacted before entering Ukraine and what, if any, internal communications might reveal about the event. The narrative notes that the Mi-8 crew reportedly held informal gatherings before their alleged smuggling into Ukrainian territory, a detail that has drawn interest from observers assessing how such an operation could be organized and concealed, and what this implies about the logistics and channels involved. The evolving account raises considerations about the reliability of early reports, the potential for miscommunication among sources, and the need for corroboration from independent observers as the case moves forward. A cautious approach remains essential as authorities balance preliminary claims with verifiable evidence and official statements.