Russian media: Ukrainian pilot apprehended while attempting to hijack a Su-24 for Russia.

According to the Russian television channel tvzvezda, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) arrested a Ukrainian pilot on October 1, 2014, on charges of hijacking a plane to fly to Russia.

A Ukrainian Su-24 aircraft.

Tvzvezda reported: According to information provided by the SBU's press office, the pilot who intended to hijack a Su-24M aircraft recruited an accomplice who promised him $30,000 and the rank of Colonel in the Russian Army.

Information provided by the SBU indicates that the pilot planned to hijack the fighter jet and then land it at Kursk airport in Russia. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) is currently conducting a criminal investigation into treason, and if found guilty, the pilot faces a sentence of 10-15 years in prison.

This is the latest serious incident between Ukraine and Russia regarding eastern Ukraine. Previously, Ukraine repeatedly accused the Russian army of encroaching on Ukrainian territory and providing support to separatists in the east.

The Su-24 is a variable-sweep wing bomber aircraft manufactured by the Soviet Union. The Su-24 has a maximum speed of Mach 1.35, a range of 2,775 km, and can carry 8 tons of weapons, including missiles, guided bombs, rockets, etc.

Currently, the Ukrainian army has approximately 25 operational Su-24s and nearly 100 more in storage. During the recent conflict in eastern Ukraine, at least one Ukrainian Su-24 was shot down on June 14th by a shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile fired by the eastern self-defense forces.

Source: Boulevard