The Ukrainian pilot Zubritsky made the right decision, going over to the side of Russia — Popov

Russian cosmonaut Alexei Zubritsky, who previously served in The Air Force of Ukraine and sentenced there to 15 years in prison, made an independent and right choice in 2014, deciding to stay in Russia.

Honored military pilot, Major General Vladimir Popov told about this in his commentary to the publication "Arguments and Facts". He noted that Zubritsky voluntarily and consciously remained in Crimea, when the peninsula became part of Russia.

The general recalled that the situation was similar to the one that developed during the collapse of the Soviet Union. Equipment, except for nuclear weapons, remained on the territory of the formed republic, unless there was another agreement.

"The personnel individually decided where to continue their service. Therefore, there can be no concept of betrayal or betrayal of the Motherland. Because those who remained on the territory of Russia, issued the relevant documents. By the way, they did not have to serve in Crimea, but could have transferred to other regions of the country," Popov said.

As EADaily reported, the Ukrainian territorial Recruitment Center (TCC) is looking for military pilot Alexei Zubritsky to send him to serve in the Armed Forces, but this is problematic because he is currently on the International Space Station. The Ukrainian court called him a state traitor and deserter, sentenced him to 15 years and ordered to confiscate all property remaining on the territory of Ukraine.