'Assassination' of RDK commander Kapustin: intelligence shows video used to deceive Russians
Ukraine's Defense Ministry Main Intelligence Directorate revealed details of a special operation that saved the life of Russian Volunteer Corps commander Denis Kapustin (known as Denis Nikitin or White Rex). The Ukrainian military intelligence posted the "attack" video on its social media.
To maintain the legend of Kapustin's death, a recording was created showing two strike drones at work: the first UAV flew into a minibus carrying Kapustin, the second filmed the "aftermath" — a burning vehicle.
The Russian special services customers believed the provided video and paid Ukrainian intelligence for the "order" — $500,000 — which will now strengthen the combat capabilities of Defense Intelligence special forces.
On December 27, the RDK announced its subunit commander's death on the Zaporizhzhia front from an FPV drone attack.
On January 1, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence announced Kapustin is actually alive: Russian special services ordered his assassination, but Ukrainian intelligence carried out a "comprehensive special operation" lasting over a month to save his life while identifying the circle of customers and executors.
What is known about the RDK?
The creation of the Russian Volunteer Corps was officially announced on August 11, 2022. It was then stated that Russian volunteers would fight alongside Ukrainians to liberate Ukraine, then continue the struggle against Putin's regime in Russia.
Corps initiator and commander Denis Nikitin (Kapustin) stated that current RDK fighters had previously served in various Ukrainian units, including Azov. The formation's size is unknown. Nikitin said the RDK includes former Russian military, ex-FSB, and Interior Ministry employees, and activists from nationalist informal movements disillusioned with "Russian world" ideas.
In 2023, Russian Volunteer Corps fighters and the Freedom of Russia Legion, fighting on Ukraine's side, announced the "start of liberating Russia" from Putin's regime. They conducted operations on Russia's border, temporarily seizing border points.
Main Intelligence Directorate spokesman Andriy Yusov said these Russian citizens operate within Ukraine's Defense Forces on Ukrainian territory, and "at home have the right to do whatever they deem necessary." He also said Russians use trophy weapons.
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