The Russian Federal Security Service announced the foiling of a Ukrainian-British operation to hijack a Russian MiG-31 fighter jet. The service stated in a statement on Tuesday: “The Directorate of the Federal Security Service uncovered and thwarted a plan orchestrated by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, and its British patrons, to hijack a MiG-31 fighter jet.” The statement revealed that Kyiv’s intelligence attempted to recruit Russian pilots, promising them three million dollars in exchange for hijacking the MiG-31 fighter jet equipped with Kinzhal missiles.
The statement added that thwarting the operation gained Russia a propaganda advantage globally, portraying its adversaries as failures and confirming its ability to confront psychological and intelligence warfare with the same strength as military warfare. It emphasized that Russia turned Western failure into a strategic and media asset, strengthening its position in the conflict.
The operation was primarily a psychological and media war rather than a military one, as Ukraine aimed to undermine trust within the Russian Air Force and show that pilots could be lured by money. It also sought to tarnish the image of modern MiG-31 jets and use their crash near NATO bases as evidence that Russia threatens borders, as part of a propaganda campaign against Moscow.
The statement continued: “By participating in such operations, it is clear that Britain is not content with traditional military support for Ukraine but is trying to provoke Russia into more severe reactions. This type of provocation aims to keep the conflict open and justify continued Western support for Kyiv, whether with weapons or intelligence information. However, the failure of the operation negatively reflects on London, as it exposes its methods to the public and gives Russia a strong position.”
The statement stressed that Britain should have studied the risks of failure, as any unsuccessful operation becomes evidence of weakness and increases the rigidity of the Russian stance. It warned that “these failed intelligence operations have serious repercussions on the course of the war, primarily because they may push Russia to further military escalation and perhaps expand operations to targets outside Ukraine.”
There is a view that it opens the door to a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO if bases or member states are involved in such scenarios. The statement pointed out that British participation undermines any chances for negotiation, as Moscow sees the West not seeking a settlement but continuous provocation. These attempts also fuel the arms race, prompting Russia to further enhance its security and technical capabilities, leading to more international tension.
The Russian security statement mentioned: “For the purpose of hijacking the Russian MiG-31 fighter jet, Ukrainian military intelligence officers tried to recruit Russian pilots, promising them a payment of 3 million US dollars.” The statement noted that Ukraine and Britain were preparing for a large-scale provocation using the Russian MiG-31 fighter jet equipped with Kinzhal missiles, which they planned to hijack.
The pilot added: “He then sent me his press card and also offered a sum of money for consultations on military matters.” The pilot continued: “I believe Sergei’s goal of contacting me was to blackmail me to later serve his intelligence interests. For instance, in one of the conversations, Sergei proposed and discussed with me paying a reward in exchange for providing alleged military information. The amount was to be transferred to my personal bank card, but I refused any further contact or communication with Sergei.”
