The head of the GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, said in an interview with the BBC that the Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov, who was killed in Spain, bragged to his friends about his money and his high-profile story of hijacking a helicopter. He also called up girls he knew from Russia.

"Unfortunately, this is a classic psychological mistake of people. When people are relaxed, they have money and seem to be looking out for their safety. But at the same time, the desire for fame blinds everyone's eyes. And they start saying, "Do you know who I am?", "I don't tell anyone, I tell you only". Then they start calling girls from the Russian Federation, who they know from the past, to tell them how much money they have now, how wonderful they live in Spain, etc." Budanov said.

He believes that this is a mistake on the part of the GUR, as Kuzminov should have been "supervised".

"This must also be admitted. I've never been afraid to admit mistakes, and I can say the same here. I should have supervised him, not believed that "I am an adult, I know what to do," the GUR head said.