Russian pilot Maksim Kuzminov, who had transferred a Russian Mi-8 helicopter to the territory of Ukraine as part of an operation conducted by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine in summer 2023, has died in Spain, the Main Intelligence Directorate told Interfax-Ukraine on Monday.

"We can confirm the fact of his death," Spokesperson for the Main Intelligence Directorate Andriy Yusov said in a commentary to Interfax-Ukraine.

As reported, on August 9, 2023, Ukrainian intelligence conducted the Synytsia (Tit) special operation, during which a Russian pilot flew a Mi-8AMTSh helicopter of the Russian Aerospace Forces with a crew on board to the territory of Ukraine.

"I contacted representatives of the Ukrainian intelligence service, explained my situation. I was offered security guarantees, new documents, monetary compensation, remuneration. We discussed the details and started planning my flight," a 28-year-old Russian captain, commander of the Mi-8 helicopter Maksim Kuzminov said.

Kuzminov served in the 319th separate helicopter regiment of the army aviation of the aggressor state in military unit No. 13984 with a permanent deployment point in Primorsky territory of Russia.