The GUR just confirmed the operation. A Russian Mi-8 carrying spare parts for fighter jets was lured into Ukraine in an operation that lasted over 6 months. Two crew members (unaware where they were heading) were reportedly eliminated while the Russian pilot was kept unharmed. He is reunited with his family that was taken to Ukraine earlier.
“Official information will be forthcoming. In advance, there is such information. We need to wait a little, the work will be done, including the crew. Everything will be fine, there will be news,” said Andriy Yusov, a representative of the GUR.
Not trying to be a dick and please don’t take this personally but that sounds like Russian misinformation to me. It would make no sense for Ukraine to do this for exactly the reason you describe: it would seriously undermine their efforts to get Russians to defect.
From what I’ve read defectors are generally treated well: e.g. they are fed, provided clean clothes and are allowed a phone call to family.
Would you mind sharing your source?