Ukraine has executed a daring covert operation by staging the assassination of a prominent anti-Kremlin figure, Denis Kapustin, head of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC). Reports concerning Kapustin’s death, which allegedly occurred during a drone strike in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, prompted an outpouring of tributes from his supporters. However, Ukrainian military intelligence revealed on January 1, 2024, that the entire scenario was fabricated to protect Kapustin and to mislead Russian authorities into paying a substantial bounty of $500,000, approximately £370,000.
Despite the claims of his demise, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR) released a video showing an unharmed Kapustin alongside Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence. Budanov publicly commended Kapustin for his “return to life,” while clarifying that the staged assassination was a calculated move against Russian intelligence. The GUR stated, “As a result of a comprehensive special operation, his life was preserved, and the circle of individuals was identified: the masterminds within the Russian special services and the perpetrators.”
Budanov characterized Kapustin as “Putin’s personal enemy,” emphasizing that the elaborate deception took over a month to execute. He noted, “A failure of Russian secret services — the RVC commander is alive, and the half a million dollars received for his ‘killing’ will strengthen DIU special units.” This revelation marks a notable embarrassment for Russia, which had invested heavily in the narrative of Kapustin’s elimination.
Kapustin, who also goes by the name Denis Nikitin or “White Rex,” asserted that his temporary disappearance had little effect on operational capabilities within the RVC. He expressed readiness to resume his duties, confirming his ongoing commitment to combat and special tasks. The RVC, known for its cross-border operations into Russian territory, aims to restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity while opposing the regime of President Vladimir Putin.
This incident draws parallels to a similar event in 2018 involving Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko, whose faked death was staged by Ukrainian authorities to thwart a purported Kremlin assassination attempt. Babchenko reappeared at a press conference shortly after the announcement of his death, igniting outrage among journalists and press freedom advocates. Ukrainian officials justified their actions as necessary for Babchenko’s safety.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, the implications of this latest operation highlight the lengths to which both sides are willing to go in their intelligence and military strategies. The RVC, composed of individuals with far-right affiliations, remains a controversial entity, particularly due to its history and connections to extremist groups. Kapustin’s ability to navigate these turbulent waters while remaining a figure of controversy illustrates the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing war.
