Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine found shot to death in Spain

Russia's top spy chief appeared to suggest that Maxim Kuzminov's death became inevitable the moment he started planning his 'his dirty and terrible crime.'

A pilot who defected from Russia and flew his military helicopter to Ukraine was found shot to death last week. In Moscow’s first comment on the death, Russia’s top spy chief called the defector a “traitor and criminal” and appeared to suggest that his killing was inevitable.

Maxim Kuzminov was found dead in Spain, Ukraine’s military intelligence arm GUR confirmed to multiple outlets, including Reuters, the Washington Post and newswire agency Interfax-Ukraine.

“We can confirm the fact of his death,” said spokesperson Andriy Yusov.

A GUR source told Ukrainska Pravda that Kuzminov moved to Spain after defecting to Ukraine.

“From what we know, he invited his ex to his place and was later found shot dead,” the source said.

Spanish officials have confirmed that a body was found riddled with bullets on Feb. 13 in an underground garage in the town of Villajoyosa, near Alicante in southern Spain. Spanish and Ukrainian media have reported that the shooting victim was the pilot, who had been living in Spain under a fake identity.

A photo of a burned car, allegedly used by the perpetrators of the killing, was taken outside the Spanish Civil Guard barracks, in El Campello on Feb. 14.

Spain’s state news agency EFE reported that the body was hit by half a dozen bullets and run over by a car.