In a gripping story that feels like something out of a spy thriller, a daring plot by Ukrainian intelligence to steal a top-secret Russian helicopter was foiled, thanks to a quick-thinking Russian pilot and a crafty counter-attack.

It all started last November when a Russian helicopter pilot was contacted on social media by a man calling himself Sergey. Sergey had an unusual proposition: if the pilot agreed to fly his high-tech Mi-8MTPR-1 electronic warfare helicopter to Ukraine, he woul...