Who is the Russian pilot who landed a Mi-8 helicopter in Ukraine with crew and surrendered

The name of the Russian pilot who landed a Mi-8 helicopter in Ukraine with his crew has been released. The BBC's Russian service reports that the pilot who landed the Mi-8 in Ukrainian territory was Maxim Kuzminov.

It is noted that the incident took place on August 23. The Russian Mi-8 helicopter, along with the crew, headed towards Ukraine, landed in Poltava, and surrendered to the local armed forces.

Kirill Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, mentioned in a documentary related to the incident that his agency convinced Kuzminov to fly to Ukraine and surrender the Mi-8 helicopter. Two crew members, who were unaware of what was happening, were killed during the escape.

According to the pilot, the risky operation was kept secret and successfully completed as Ukraine's military intelligence was able to ensure a safe corridor.