The head of Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service, Sergei Naryshkin, has referred to Maxim Kuzminov, a Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine, as a “moral corpse.” Kuzminov made headlines when he flew his Mi-8 helicopter into Ukraine in August, expressing opposition to Russia’s military offensive.
Last week, reports in Spanish media stated that Kuzminov was found shot dead in Villajoyosa, Spain, where he had moved after receiving Ukrainian citizenship.
While Naryshkin did not confirm or deny Russian involvement in Kuzminov’s death, Russian state TV had previously reported in October that Russia’s GRU intelligence agency had been ordered to eliminate him.
Russian Spy Chief (Credits: The Moscow Times)
The Kremlin stated on Tuesday that it did not have information on Kuzminov’s death. Kuzminov’s defection was a bold move, and he featured in a propaganda video released by Ukraine’s defense intelligence agency in September titled “Downed pilots of Russia.”
In the video, Kuzminov expressed opposition to the war, stating, “No one wants this war,” and predicted Ukraine’s eventual victory. The circumstances surrounding Kuzminov’s death are under investigation by Spanish authorities.
Reports indicate that the person found dead in Villajoyosa had multiple gunshot wounds, but the identity is being verified by the Guardia Civil. The situation adds to the complex and ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
