A Russian pilot from the 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division reportedly defected following the missile attack on the Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv on July 8 defected, passing critical intelligence to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR). According to multiple Ukrainian media outlets, the pilot was deeply disturbed by the attack on the hospital and decided to share sensitive information about his division’s activities.
The information, relayed through Ukraine’s state chatbot, Diia, on Telegram, included personal details, photographs, and classified documents about 30 senior commanders of the division. This division, stationed at Engels Airfield in Russia’s Saratov Oblast, has been responsible for numerous missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, using Kh-101 cruise missiles.
⚡️In the afternoon of 8 July, the #Russian invaders hit #Kyiv with cruise missiles. Debris fell in several areas. Among the damaged objects is the “#Okhmadit” children’s hospital. This was reported by the KMDA. pic.twitter.com/Owc7OOUbSq
— Realna News (@NewsRealna) July 8, 2024
According to sources within Ukrainian intelligence, the documents provided by the pilot contain detailed personnel files of senior officers, as well as personal data of Russian military personnel and their families.
The Ukrainian intelligence community has lauded the defector’s bravery, noting that the provided intelligence has been instrumental in identifying and understanding the roles of key Russian commanders involved in the bombardment of Ukrainian cities. This intelligence is expected to aid in future defensive and strategic planning by Ukraine’s armed forces.
German authorities and NATO officials have expressed concern over the broader implications of Russia’s aggressive tactics, including attacks on civilian infrastructure and the targeting of individuals supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts. The defection and leaked information are seen as a significant development in the information war between the two sides.
The Kremlin has dismissed reports of the defection and the pilot’s revelations, continuing to deny any intentional attacks on civilian targets.
There are victims in Okhmatdet, — Health Minister Viktor Lyashko.
The arrival was in the building, where the children received dialysis. The intensive care, operating, and oncology departments were damaged. pic.twitter.com/TfaKnffVDo— Olena Rohoza (@OlenaRohoza) July 8, 2024
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