Defected Russian Pilot Believed to Be Assassinated in Spain Amid Investigation

A Russian pilot, who defected to Ukraine last year, has been reportedly found shot dead in Spain. Identified as Maxim Kuzminov, he was discovered in the garage of an apartment building in Alicante, a detail released by the Spanish police. Initially believed to be a Ukrainian citizen, further investigation suggested the deceased might be Kuzminov, who had left Russia citing opposition to the war. The case remains under investigation, with no suspects identified yet. Kuzminov’s defection to Ukraine, facilitated by Ukrainian intelligence, was seen as a significant loss for Russia and potentially made him a target for retribution.

• Spanish police found a body in Alicante believed to be Maxim Kuzminov, a Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine.
• The body was found with bullet wounds and signs of being run over by a vehicle.
• Kuzminov defected to Ukraine in a high-profile operation, taking a military helicopter across enemy lines.
• He had moved to Spain from Ukraine, where he was living at the time of his death.
• The Kremlin has not provided information on the case, but Russian intelligence had previously signaled intentions to target Kuzminov.
• Investigative journalist Andrei Zov suggests the killing bears the hallmarks of Russian intelligence services.
• Russian intelligence is believed to have become more determined and resourceful, using foreign nationals in their operations.
• The incident reflects a broader trend of Russian intelligence targeting defectors and critics abroad.

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