Overview
- Russia’s FSB published audio it says captures a Ukrainian intelligence handler instructing a Russian pilot on how to fly off with a MiG‑31 armed with a Kinzhal missile.
- Operational materials released by the FSB include chat screenshots and video showing a purported $3 million offer, promises of new citizenship and relocation, and casual assurances such as meeting for beer in Munich.
- The FSB asserts the plot sought to steer the aircraft toward the area of NATO’s base in Constanța, Romania, where it could be shot down to stage a provocation against Russia.
- Russian officials accused British intelligence and named Bellingcat as involved, though the reporting notes no evidence was provided and Ukraine, the UK and Bellingcat had not offered corroboration in the cited coverage.
- Moscow says its forces struck a GUR radio‑electronic center and Ukraine’s Starokonstantinov airfield in response, and Russian diplomats highlighted additional allegations, including an attempted poisoning via an oxygen mask.