Russian Mi-8 helicopter defected to Ukraine with crew members onboard

Russian Mi-8 helicopter defected to Ukraine with crew members onboard

Longer video with English subtitles ( make sure they are enabled in player settings ):
https://rumble.com/v3eyp5y-the-russian-pilot-who-defected-to-ukraine-with-a-mi-8-helicopter.html

A Russian Mi-8 helicopter defected to Ukraine with two crew members onboard, according to Ukrainian military officials. The helicopter was carrying vital spare parts for Ukraine's air force.

The pilot of the helicopter, who has not been named, is said to have defected after being promised that his family would be allowed to leave Russia. The two other crew members were killed when they tried to flee after the helicopter landed in Ukraine.

The defection is a major coup for Ukraine, as it provides them with a much-needed boost to their air force. The helicopter is also likely to contain valuable intelligence about Russian military operations.

The incident is a further sign of the growing discontent among Russian military personnel over the war in Ukraine. In recent weeks, there have been several reports of Russian soldiers defecting to Ukraine or refusing to fight.

An arrangement was reached after they promised to get the pilot's family out of Russia.
"After they realized where they [had] landed, they tried to run away. Unfortunately, they were killed. It would be better if we could [capture] them alive, but it is what it is."
Russian pilot successfully landed the helicopter in Ukraine with 2 other co-pilots on board, along with vital spare parts for Ukraine's air force.
https://warleaks.net/