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Russia claims Ukrainian pilot surrendered in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine denies

1 min read
Russia claims Ukrainian pilot surrendered in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine denies
Illustrative purposes only: A Ukrainian MIG-29 fighter jet flying over eastern Ukraine on Jan. 1, 2023. (Getty Images)

Ukraine's Air Force on Dec. 29 denied claims spread by the Russian state media about a Ukrainian pilot surrendering to Russian forces in Kursk Oblast.

The statement came after the Russian state news agency TASS claimed, citing Russian security services, that Ukrainian pilot Volodymyr Popovich had surrendered in the embattled Russian region.

"Unfortunately, cases of capture of military personnel who previously served in the Air Force do occur," the Air Force said in a statement.

"However, the information about the capture of a Ukrainian pilot is false. All Ukrainian pilots continue to perform tasks to protect the country."

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

Ukraine's Air Force did not provide further details nor name Popovich specifically. It is unclear whether the Air Force was refuting that Popovich was captured or that he was an active pilot at the time of his alleged capture.

Training new pilots is a lengthy and expensive process, making aviators especially valuable personnel.

One killed, one in captivity: The tragic story of two brothers forever separated by Russia’s war
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Martin Fornusek

Reporter

Martin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.

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