I had not heard this one.

I had read similarly of Ukrainian Intelligence communications with three Russian airplane pilots. Communications were intercepted and the three were not heard from afterward. At least one of them expressed concern of being shot down by Russian forces and also if he could guarantee that Ukraine could /would provide safe passage. The end result left the idea that either outcome was taking the opposing figures out of the conflict.

Interesting to know the actual outcome of the scenario. I think the other pilots were willing but didn't know if they could trust the word of the Ukrainian Intelligence. The story left it with us not knowing if they would actually follow through with payout.