But I needed help from the other side, to be met in Russia," Lipka said. Defense sources told TASS that Lipka ended up in Russia as a result of a Russian military counterintelligence operation. He also told TASS that he has received refugee status and through the media intends to help Ukrainian soldiers to defect to Russia. I plan to contact currently serving Ukrainian soldiers, telling them that everything is possible and they can leave the army and side with Russia," Lipka said. The former Ukrainian soldier told TASS that his family was able to leave for Russia.