The GUR just confirmed the operation. A Russian Mi-8 carrying spare parts for fighter jets was lured into Ukraine in an operation that lasted over 6 months. Two crew members (unaware where they were heading) were reportedly eliminated while the Russian pilot was kept unharmed. He is reunited with his family that was taken to Ukraine earlier.
"Official information will be forthcoming. In advance, there is such information. We need to wait a little, the work will be done, including the crew. Everything will be fine, there will be news," said Andriy Yusov, a representative of the GUR.
I feel really bad for the guys that defect like this. There have been a few stories of defectors being traded back to Russian forces in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners. The defectors were killed and made an example of. Sucks, because if you don’t want to fight the war you have few options, and none of them good.
Is there verifiable evidence that defectors are being sent back? That sounds like Russian propaganda.
Russian propaganda that makes Russia look bad?
Russian propaganda that discourages Russians from defecting to Ukraine.