Mi-8 pilot who defected to Ukraine gives press conference

At a press conference, he told the details of his transition. This is reported by LIGA.net.

Journalists had the opportunity to ask Kuzminov himself, who went to co-operate with the GUR.

Kuzminov said that he condemned the invasion of Russia.

Full realisation of what is happening. I decided for myself that this is the cruelest crime," the pilot said.

Kuzminov still followed orders from his command until he switched to the Ukrainian side.

He did it with tears in his eyes. I had only troop or cargo transport. Only transport tasks. No strikes, I didn't do any of that. If I had to, I wouldn't do it," Kuzminov said.

The pilot said he was not afraid for his safety.

I am a very religious person. My morning starts with the words, "The whole universe is with me on my journey." I believe in God. God gave me life, he will take it away. Yes, it's scary. But the fear of what's in the other world, in this one, is humiliating. That's why I'm not afraid of anything. There are emotions and experiences, - said the pilot.

Ukrainian security services have thoroughly checked the 28-year-old Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov, who transported the Mi-8 attack helicopter of the Russian army together with the entire crew to Ukraine and handed it over to the AFU.