In a remarkable development, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) revealed that Ukraine’s intelligence services attempted to bribe a pilot of a Tu-22M3 aircraft, a nuclear-capable strategic bomber belonging to the Russian air force. Kiev’s spies offered the pilot money and an offer of Italian citizenship if he were to fly the aircraft to Ukraine. This plot was intercepted by the FSB, which also identified the involvement of special services from NATO countries. Although specific members of the US-led military bloc were not named, it’s clear that these nations were involved in some capacity.
The failed hijacking plot is part of a broader series of espionage attempts by Ukraine to gather information on Russian aircraft. In July 2022, the FSB revealed another similar plot, with Ukrainian intelligence offering up to $2 million, EU passports, and a comfortable life in the West for Russian pilots willing to fly their planes to Ukraine. However, the airmen cooperated with Russian counterintelligence officers instead, providing valuable information on Kiev’s forces.
The FSB’s successful foiling of this plot highlights the sophistication and expertise of Russia’s intelligence services. The Kremlin has praised the FSB for its efforts, stating that they “deserve top marks” for their work on this case. Furthermore, RT sources have revealed that Ukrainian intelligence was particularly interested in gathering information on Su-34 fighter-bombers and Tu-22M3 strategic aircraft.
This incident not only showcases the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine but also serves as a cautionary tale of the lengths to which countries will go to gather sensitive military information. As nations continue to navigate complex political landscapes, it is essential for both parties involved in such conflicts to remain vigilant and work together to prevent further incidents like this from occurring in the future.