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Baza published a large material dedicated to 28-year-old Russian Armed Forces pilot Maxim Kuzmin, who flew a Mi-8 military helicopter to Ukraine. The publication states that the journalists were able to talk to his colleagues and other acquaintances and obtain from them the characteristics of his personality.
According to the publication, Kuzminov's classmates at the Syzran Higher Military Aviation School describe him as a “typical athlete” who he “started quickly”, he was “very picky”, but at the same time he did not show any peculiarities. According to his classmates, he “didn't stand out academically at all” but “always wanted to fly” and was overall a “regular guy”. The teachers also allegedly did not notice anything unusual about the cadet.
A similar description of the “calm guy” was also reported by Kuzminov's colleagues at the base in Chernigovka in the Far East. Some Baz sources also said that the pilot asked not to give him “anything serious” and wanted to do more “peaceful tasks” like transporting goods. Some participants in the discussion believe that Kuzminov was simply afraid for his life, others – that it was because of his “moral and psychological considerations”.
Baza quotes the opinion of a close friend of Kuzminov who stated that he was “afraid to die” because “many of his comrades died before his eyes”. It is also claimed that Kuzminov even before SVO wanted to leave the army, but the contract had to be completed. The same friend said that six months before the helicopter hijacking, Kuzminov allegedly told his fiancee that he would soon make a lot of money, but the girl did not pay attention and allegedly did not know about his plans.
Regarding Kuzminov's political views, some Baza sources claim that he has never spoken out either for or against SVO. Others said he allegedly admitted he was afraid of being captured by Ukrainian armed forces. One of his friends said that Kuzminov joined the army so that he could fly, but he never wanted to take part in hostilities.
"Mi-8 hijacking, all who were interrogated by the “base”; Maxim's colleagues and acquaintances called it a betrayal,” the publication Baza reports. Among other things, the following quote is given: “Not only did he betray his homeland, but above all he betrayed his crew.”
During a recent press conference held by Kuzminov after the transfer of the helicopter to Ukraine, the position of the armed forces announced that another the two Mi-8 crew members were unaware of the secret plan. It was claimed that they resisted after landing and may have been killed. There is no official information about the fate of the pilots.
Baza also writes that Kuzminov's mother left Russia at the beginning of the year without explaining anything to her relatives and employer. Sources say the woman was “categorically unsupportive” from the start. the actions of the Russian authorities and she was concerned about the SVO, and they also suggest that it was she who may have initiated the plan to transfer her son to the armed forces of Ukraine.