Moscow, Nov 11 – Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Monday that it had thwarted an alleged Ukrainian plot to hijack a Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare helicopter. The FSB claims Ukrainian intelligence sought to recruit a Russian Aerospace Forces pilot, offering $750, 000 and foreign citizenship to facilitate the hijacking. Video evidence shows the pilot describing the covert recruitment attempts made through Telegram.
This recent attempt reportedly echoes previous efforts by Ukrainian operatives to compromise Russian military assets, including a thwarted plan to seize a Tu-22M3 strategic bomber earlier this year. The pilot of the Tu-22M3, who was also contacted via Telegram, was offered $3 million and Italian citizenship to defect with the bomber.
The Russian Defense Ministry additionally reported successful airstrikes targeting Ukrainian military strongholds near the Kursk region, aimed at deterring Ukraine’s actions. Russian aviation crews, flying Mi-28NM helicopters, were tasked with supporting ground forces in the area, executing precision missile strikes and utilizing defensive maneuvers to avoid potential threats from Ukrainian MANPADS.
The escalation of incidents, including these recruitment attempts and increased airstrikes, underscores ongoing tensions along the Russia-Ukraine border and highlights the strategic significance of electronic warfare assets in the conflict.