Overview
- Defence Intelligence of Ukraine published new footage showing a mock drone strike on a minibus and the filmed aftermath used to sell the ruse.
- The agency says Russian security handlers accepted the video as proof of Denis Kapustin’s killing and transferred $500,000 for the purported hit.
- Kyrylo Budanov appeared in a briefing with Kapustin via video link, congratulated him on his “return to life,” and said the money now supports DIU special units.
- Ukrainian intelligence says the operation identified organisers and perpetrators linked to Russian services, with Kapustin now in Ukraine preparing to resume tasks.
- The disclosure refutes a Dec. 27 announcement by the Russian Volunteer Corps that its commander had been killed on the Zaporizhzhia front.