A startling development has emerged from Spain, where Maxim Kuzminov, a Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine last year, has been discovered dead. Reports indicate that his body was found with multiple bullet wounds in an underground garage in the town of Villajoyosa, near Alicante, in southern Spain.
According to Spain's state news agency EFE, the body, identified as that of Maxim Kuzminov, was found on February 13. Kuzminov had made headlines when he landed his Mi-8 helicopter in Ukraine last August and had since been residing in Spain under a Ukrainian passport, albeit under a different name.
While Ukrainian and Spanish media have confirmed Kuzminov's death, the cause remains undisclosed. Sources from Ukraine's GUR military intelligence have acknowledged his demise but haven't provided details regarding the circumstances. However, Ukraine's Ukrainska Pravda newspaper has reported that he was discovered shot dead.
Spanish authorities have confirmed the discovery of a body with gunshot wounds in Villajoyosa but have not disclosed the victim's identity officially. Nevertheless, a source from Spain's Guardia Civil police force has hinted that the victim might have been using a false identity.
The initial report from Spain's La Informacion newspaper suggests that investigators are pursuing two suspects who reportedly fled the scene in a vehicle that was later found burnt out in a nearby town.
Kuzminov's defection to Ukraine last year was hailed as a significant victory for Kyiv. The GUR had claimed credit for persuading him to defect. However, with his untimely demise shrouded in mystery, questions linger regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
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