Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov who defected to Ukraine 'shot dead' in Spain - BBC News

Maxim Kuzminov - who fled Russia on a military helicopter - was found dead in Spain, according to reports.

4 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, EPAImage caption, Maxim Kuzminov defected from Russia in August 2023 by flying his helicopter over the border with UkraineBy Laura GozziBBC NewsThe body of a man who was shot dead in Spain is believed to be that of a Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine last year.

In August, Maxim Kuzminov flew a helicopter into Ukrainian territory, where he handed himself in.

Spanish police have not publicly confirmed the identity of the man, who was killed near Alicante last week.

However, Ukrainian intelligence confirmed Mr Kuzminov's death on Monday.

A spokesperson told the Ukrainian outlet Ukrayinska Pravda: "We confirm the fact of his death... He decided to move to Spain rather than remain here.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68337794

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