Overview
- The FSB released audio, video and chat screenshots that it says document Ukrainian military intelligence efforts to recruit a Russian MiG-31 crew, including operational instructions.
- Footage aired on state channels shows an alleged $3 million offer, promises of citizenship and relocation, and casual assurances such as meeting for beer in Munich.
- According to the FSB, the plan called for directing the aircraft toward the area of NATO’s base in Constanța, Romania, and included questions about whether the navigator could incapacitate the pilot, which a Russian aviation expert said would make a safe landing impossible.
- The FSB accused British intelligence and cited contacts by someone it described as linked to Bellingcat, but media noted no independent verification and reported no immediate responses from Ukraine or the UK.
- Russian authorities said their forces carried out retaliatory strikes on a GUR signals intelligence center and the Starokostiantyniv airfield using Kinzhal missiles.