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Russia Claims to Foil $3M Ukrainian Plot to Hijack Tu-22M3 Bomber

Jul 8, 2024, 07:52 AM

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) claims to have thwarted an attempt by Ukrainian intelligence to bribe a Russian pilot into hijacking a Tu-22M3 strategic bomber. According to the FSB, the pilot was offered $3 million and Italian citizenship but also faced threats to his family. The FSB released a video detailing the incident, which included an offer of $2 million and Italian passports to the pilot. The pilot shared that Ukraine aimed to obtain data on Russian combat aircraft, including tail numbers. Additionally, Russia bombed a Ukrainian airport in response. This incident follows a similar event last year involving Maxim Kuzminov.