Maksim Kuzminov, who changed sides in secret operation, killed after allegedly moving to Alicante, reports suggest

A Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine last year in a secret operation has been found dead in Spain, according to the main military intelligence agency in Kyiv.

Reports in Russian and Spanish media on Monday said Maksim Kuzminov was found dead after allegedly moving to the town of Villajoyosa in Alicante on the Mediterranean coast, in an area popular with holidaymakers. His body was discovered last Tuesday, it was said, on the car park ramp underneath an apartment block.

The reports claimed he had been murdered by unknown gunmen who fired 12 shots. A burnt-out car was discovered nearby in the Costa Blanca town of El Campello. Spanish police had initially thought the shooting was gang-related before reportedly learning of the victim’s extraordinary backstory and his former role in Russia’s war and invasion.

  • Burn_The_Right@lemmy.worldEnglish
    31·
    9 months ago

    Except it is an unreasonable fear.

    Putin has a dysfunctional nuclear arsenal. His ancient systems have been maintained by notorious black market scalpers for the last 50 years. Fuel, electronic components, chassis components, nav and guidance system components, sensors and other parts are valuable. It is extremely unlikely that even a single delivery system would survive launch and make it to its destination, even if the advanced global defense systems in place completely ignored it.

    If he detonated a tactical nuke instead (because his international delivery systems would fail), he would not be able to cause enough destruction to punish the EU for fighting him. He simply does not have the physical leverage EU citizens give him credit for. All he has is sabre-rattling and overt threats.

    He has been bluffing for decades now. If no one ever calls his bluff, he will win. He is coming for the EU. Will the EU let him have what he wants, or will they call his bluff?

    • Cinner@lemmy.worldBEnglish
      2·
      9 months ago

      Let’s say that’s true and only a few USSR era nukes are maybe working, there’s no refinery happening, and China and North Korea are only willing to give them 3 nukes each for a total of 8 ICMBs (surprise, 2 were newly refined and functioning perfectly). Now they have 8 ICBMs with nuclear payloads and the backing of China, Iran, and North Korean nuclear satellite capabilities.

      Which major city or strategic military post would you prefer they hit with the one that gets past defenses?

      Which one does it take to start WWIII?