Denis Kapustin faked death to evade Russian assassination attempt

Denis Kapustin, leader of the Ukraine-aligned Russian Volunteer Corps, was reported killed in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The claim was part of a deception operation to thwart a Russian intelligence-led assassination attempt.

By Conor McAuley1 min read

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Denis Kapustin, leader of the Russia-aligned Russian Volunteer Corps, was reported killed in a drone strike in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The report was part of a deception operation orchestrated by Ukraine's military intelligence.

Ukraine's HUR confirmed Kapustin had not died and had been hidden to avoid a Russian assassination attempt. The operation used funds allocated by Russian intelligence for the attack.

Kapustin confirmed he had been temporarily absent but remained ready to resume command. The Russian Volunteer Corps continued operations without disruption during his absence.