Overview
- The FSB said Ukrainian military intelligence, with UK involvement, tried to recruit Russian pilots to fly a Kinzhal‑armed MiG‑31 abroad with a $3 million offer and the promise of citizenship.
- According to the FSB account, the aircraft was to head toward the NATO base area around Constanta, Romania, to be shot down as part of a planned provocation.
- Russian state media released what they described as messages, audio recordings, and video showing an alleged intermediary making the offers to a Russian pilot.
- The security service alleged plans to neutralise crew included killing or incapacitating the pilot, with one method involving toxic substances applied to an oxygen mask.
- Senior officials and state outlets highlighted the claims, including comments from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, while international reporting noted there has been no independent corroboration.