In a clever ruse, Ukraine staged a fake assassination of a Russian adversary who has allied with Ukrainian forces, successfully duping the Kremlin into disbursing a $500,000 bounty. The funds were then redirected to support Ukraine’s ongoing war efforts.

The target of the alleged December 27 attack was Denis Kapustin, also known as “White Rex,” the leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps. This right-wing faction is actively campaigning for the ousting of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Metro UK.

Contrary to the reports from the Ukrainian Armed Forces that claimed Kapustin had been killed by a drone in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, he is, in fact, alive.

Denis Kapustin, under his alias “White Rex,” and head of the Russian Volunteer Corps, was initially declared dead following a supposed drone strike.

The RVC group expressed their resolve on Telegram, stating, “We will definitely avenge you, Denis. Your legacy lives on,” after news of his purported death circulated last week.

On Thursday, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR) confirmed this was part of a special operation to save Kapustin’s life and, in the process, earn $500,000.

Denis Kapustin, also known by his pseudonym “White Rex,” appeared in a video announcing he was alive after Ukraine reportedly orchestrated a ruse to fool Russia.  (East2West)

“Welcome back to life,” HUR General Kyrylo Budanov, who heads Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, said while congratulating Kapustin and his team on a successful intelligence operation, News.com.au, an Australian news website, reported. 

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kapustin founded the RVC to fight alongside the Ukrainian army.

A drone headed toward a vehicle as part of a ruse to fool Russia into thinking Denis Kapustin was killed.  (East2West)

The group, which was banned in Russia as a terrorist organization, was known for staging cross-border attacks in Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions. He had twice been sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by kangaroo courts in Russia, The Sun reported. 

A still image from a reported drone blast that killed one of Russia’s biggest enemies.  (East2West)

In March 2024, the RVC stormed into Russia and clashed with security forces before capturing Russian soldiers.

Ukraine and Russia are in the middle of peace talks mediated by President Donald Trump. The deal is close, but Ukrainian leaders have said the sticking point remains the issue of disputed territories.