Ukrainian intelligence continue communication with several more Russian pilots after the successful "Synytsya" operation.
The head of the Defence Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, said this during a telethon. The communication has been going on with several people, and it continues, says Budanov, but he doesn’t reveal any details.
"This operation will simply give confidence to those who still hesitate," he said.
Budanov added that the Russian leadership is upset by the success of Ukraine's operation. The Russians are trying to prevent other similar operations.
"The FSB has begun to work even more actively," Budanov said, adding that this will not do them any good.
In August, after six months of training, a Russian pilot of a Mi-8 helicopter flew to Ukraine. He had two other crew members on board, whom he tried to convince to surrender to Ukraine. They refused and, after landing, began to flee toward the border, so they were eliminated.
Ukraine received not only the Mi-8, but also spare parts for the aircraft it was transporting.
The family of the Russian pilot was taken out of Russia before the special operation, so they are safe. He himself has received the promised monetary reward and is considering staying in Ukraine.