Captured Ukrainian Pilot Narrates Shift from Air Transport to Assault Duties
Russian forces in the Kursk region have taken prisoner a Ukrainian soldier, Vladimir Popovich, who previously served in the 456th Transport Aviation Brigade based in Gaivorons’ke, Vinnytsia region. Popovich disclosed that he was recently reassigned to a marine assault unit.
He explained that following the incursion of Ukrainian forces into Kursk, Ukrainian command ordered the reallocation of transport aviation personnel to assault units. Popovich was transferred to the 129th Territorial Defense Brigade.
"Training was minimal and rushed, lasting only a few days," Popovich recounted. His makeshift assault battalion was then attached to the 36th Marine Brigade and dispatched to the Sudzha area in Kursk.
Acknowledging the potential consequences of fighting against Russian forces, Popovich decided to surrender, describing it as his only sensible choice.
This trend of redeploying specialists from various military branches to assault roles is becoming increasingly common within the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Previously, such reassignment involved personnel from air defense and medical units.
