**Two Ukrainian Pilots Sentenced by Russian Court**
A Russian court has sentenced two Ukrainian pilots to prison for allegedly planning to drop a “dirty bomb” on the Bryansk region of Russia. The pilots, Oleksandr Morozov and Dmytro Shymanskyi, were accused of receiving orders from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR MO) to carry out the mission.
**The Case Against the Pilots**
According to Russian media reports, in the spring of 2023, Morozov and Shymanskyi flew into Russia on light aircraft, intending to drop small bombs on a plant in Bryansk region. However, they failed to complete their mission when Morozov’s plane hit a power line near the border, and Shymanskyi landed in Tula region. Both pilots were detained by Russian authorities.
**Pilots’ Testimony**
During the investigation, both pilots provided testimony against themselves, admitting to various charges including violating international flight rules, terrorism, and participation in a terrorist organization. However, later they retracted their statements and only admitted to part of the episodes. Morozov claimed he was on a mission to test Ukraine’s air defense system and accidentally crossed into Russian territory.
**Reactions from Ukrainian Leaders**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the allegations against the pilots, stating that “no ‘dirty bomb’ was created in Ukraine” and that the true culprits were those who had taken control of the Russian state.
Read More @ ukrainefrontlines.com