Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, HUR, faked the death of Russian Volunteer Corps leader Denis Kapustin in late December 2025, deceiving Russian operatives into paying a bounty of about $500,000.

The operation centred on Kapustin, also known as Denis Nikitin, who leads the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), a group of Russian nationals fighting alongside Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Moscow had placed a reward on his capture or killing following RDK cross-border raids into Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions.

According to Ukrainian officials, HUR staged Kapustin’s supposed death in a drone strike on December 27, 2025.

Nigerian Tribune)

The ruse was reinforced by a statement posted on the RDK’s Telegram channel, which read: “We will definitely take revenge, Denis. Your legacy lives on.” Russian operatives were convinced, and the bounty, estimated at £370,000 or roughly $500,000, was paid out.

HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov later confirmed that the money had been redirected to Ukraine’s defence efforts.

According to International Business Times, the truth was made public in a video released by HUR on January 1, showing Kapustin alive and sitting beside Budanov.

“First of all, Mr Denis, congratulations on your return to life. That is always a pleasure,” Budanov said in the clip, adding, “I am glad that the money allocated for your assassination was used to support our struggle.”

The video quickly spread on social media, embarrassing Russian security services and handing Kyiv a propaganda win. Reports cited by the South China Morning Post say the deception also helped foil a genuine assassination attempt allegedly planned by Russian special forces.

Ukrainian intelligence has used similar tactics before. In November 2025, HUR agents reportedly posed as Russian saboteurs, accepted tasks from Moscow and then undermined them.

In one case, a double agent handed over a fake bomb made of flour, leading to the arrest of a Russian operative when the device failed.

The revelation comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war stall, despite mediation attempts by US President Donald Trump. Fighting continues along the front lines, with Ukraine striking Russian oil facilities and Russia launching retaliatory attacks on Ukrainian regions including Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia.

For Ukraine, the intelligence coup has boosted morale. Kapustin, now publicly alive, has said he intends to continue the fight, while the bounty money meant to eliminate him is set to fund Ukrainian forces.

As the war moves into its fourth year, the episode highlights how deception and intelligence work have become key tools in Ukraine’s fight against a larger and better-armed opponent. (Nigerian Tribune)