Summary
Maxim Kuzminov, a Russian pilot who defected to Ukraine in 2023, was assassinated in Spain, raising questions about the reach of Kremlin retribution.
Celebrated in Kyiv for his defection, Kuzminov had received $500,000 and protection offers but moved to Spain against warnings.
Found dead with gunshot wounds in a Villajoyosa parking garage, his killing is widely attributed to Russian operatives.
Spanish authorities suspect Russian involvement but have made little progress in solving the case.
His death has dampened Ukraine’s efforts to encourage defections, highlighting the dangers faced by those who switch sides and reinforcing the Kremlin’s ability to eliminate enemies abroad.
Russia has had a concerted, focused, and enormous espionage and spying infrastructure since the 1920’s, it’s kinda all they’re good at, and they are very very good at it. Anyone, anywhere, in the world, who fucks over the Kremlin, needs to live in fear, and preparation for it’s reprisals. If you are on their hit list, they will come for you, doesn’t matter where you are. For this man, to have chosen to live so openly, was hubris. I mean, the guy hadn’t heard about the Skirpal poisonings in Salisbury UK? Russian sending goons sent to poison people in the middle of England, in broad daylight, come what may, and getting away with it? He was a hero for what he did, but foolish in how carelessly he dismissed the threat. And now he’s dead. A two year old could have seen this coming.