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3h ago

Ukraine Says It Faked Death of Russian Volunteer Corps Leader to Thwart Plot and Seize $500,000 Bounty

Newly released footage shows a staged drone strike that Ukrainian intelligence says exposed a Russian hit network.

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MOSCOW, RUSSIA - DECEMBER 25: Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking during the State Council Meeting at the Saint George's Hall of the Kremlin, on December 25, 2025 in Moscow, Russia. Putin gathered governors, cabinet members and parties leaders for the State Council meeting, the main topic of which was personnel training. (Photo by Contributor/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence said Denis Kapustin is alive and appeared via video with chief Kyrylo Budanov, with officials saying he remains in Ukrainian-held territory and ready for further tasks.
  • The agency said the month-long deception was designed to preserve Kapustin’s life and identify both the organizers inside Russian special services and the on-the-ground perpetrators.
  • On Jan. 2, intelligence released video crafted to sell the ruse, including two drones striking and filming a minibus presented as carrying Kapustin, which officials say persuaded Russian handlers.
  • Ukrainian officials said they obtained the $500,000 bounty earmarked for the killing and will use the funds to bolster DIU special units.
  • Russia’s Interior Ministry has re-listed Kapustin as wanted, and he remains designated a terrorist in Russia and sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment.