Ukraine Deceives Russia with Fake Assassination, Secures $500,000 Bounty to Fund War Effort
KYIV, Ukraine — In a daring intelligence operation, Ukraine successfully tricked the Kremlin into paying a $500,000 bounty for the supposed assassination of Denis Kapustin, a prominent Russian opposition figure and leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), a paramilitary group fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. The ruse, confirmed by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (GUR), involved faking Kapustin’s death to deceive Moscow and redirect funds to Ukraine’s ongoing war effort.
Denis Kapustin, also known by his nom de guerre “White Rex,” was reported killed on December 27 by a drone strike in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian Armed Forces initially released statements claiming the attack had eliminated the key RVC leader, who had been a thorn in Russia’s side since the invasion began in 2022. However, Kapustin later appeared alive in a video, confirming the assassination was staged as part of a sophisticated special operation.
General Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, congratulated Kapustin and his team on the success of the operation, stating, “Welcome back to life.” The operation not only preserved the life of a critical ally but also secured a substantial financial payout from Russia, which Kyiv has reportedly funneled into its war efforts. The RVC, banned as a terrorist organization by Moscow, has been involved in cross-border incursions into Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions and is known for its staunch opposition to Vladimir Putin’s regime.
Kapustin’s leadership of the RVC has made him a high-value target for Russian authorities, who sentenced him in absentia to life imprisonment. Despite these threats, he has remained a resilient figure, rallying forces that have clashed with Russian security units and captured prisoners during incursions into Russian territory, including a notable operation in March 2024.
The success of this intelligence gambit comes amid ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. While talks have progressed, contentious issues surrounding disputed territories continue to stall a final agreement. Meanwhile, Kyiv’s ability to conduct such operations demonstrates its resolve and capacity to sustain its defense.
This operation highlights the evolving nature of modern warfare, where intelligence, deception, and psychological operations play critical roles alongside conventional military tactics. The U.S. Department of Defense has emphasized the importance of intelligence in modern conflicts, underscoring how such operations can shift the balance of power.
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (GUR) has not only preserved a key ally but also turned Moscow’s own bounty system against it, a move that analysts say could undermine Russian morale and sow distrust within its ranks. The Central Intelligence Agency notes that such deceptive tactics are emblematic of hybrid warfare strategies increasingly employed in conflicts worldwide.
As the war continues, Ukraine’s resourcefulness in leveraging intelligence assets and psychological operations will remain a vital component of its resistance. The success of this operation, detailed by Fox News and corroborated by Ukrainian officials, offers a glimpse into the complex and high-stakes world of espionage and counterintelligence on the Eastern European battlefield.
For more information on Ukraine’s military intelligence efforts and the broader geopolitical context, readers can visit the U.S. Department of State website, which provides updates on diplomatic and security developments in the region.
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