The Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov, who was killed in Spain, had a Ukrainian passport with the fictitious name Ihor Shevchenko. This was reported by El Periódico, which gained access to the document.

According to the Spanish media, Kuzminov arrived in the country in October 2023. The publication's sources in the Spanish security service are inclined to believe that the fictitious name was given to him by representatives of the Ukrainian authorities, but law enforcement officials are still investigating whether this is true.

The journalists published a photo of a passport with a picture of a man who looks like Kuzminov. It was issued on September 22, 2023 (as a reminder, Kuzminov hijacked a helicopter from Russia in August). The place of birth in the document is Donetsk, and the date of birth is September 15, 1990. Kuzminov was 28 years old - five years younger.

For its part, El Pais writes that Spanish intelligence services are convinced that Moscow is behind the murder of the Russian pilot.

The publication notes that the Spanish government is very cautious about commenting publicly on the situation, especially regarding the possible involvement of Russia. But, according to El Pais, Spanish intelligence services have no doubt that the Kremlin is behind the pilot's murder.

"We must allow the Civil Guard to do its job and advance the investigation," said government spokeswoman Pilar Allegria.

The publication's sources among diplomats note that the case is "very serious," despite the fact that Spanish law enforcement is still looking for evidence. If the involvement of the Russian authorities is confirmed, the sources say, Spain will give a "decisive response."

As a reminder, Maxim Kuzminov was killed in Spain on February 13. The pilot's body was found in the underground parking lot of a building in the city of Villajoyosa.