Ukraine's Defense Intelligence has disclosed the successful disruption of russian assassination plot targeting Denis Kapustin, commander of the Rifussian Volunteer Corps, a unit fighting against Moscow as part of the Tymur Special Unit. The operation not only saved Denis Kapustin's life but also exposed the involvement of russian special services in organizing and financing the planned killing.
russian intelligence agencies allocated approximately $500,000 to carry out the assassination, viewing Denis Kapustin as a personal enemy of russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The plot was neutralized through a complex counterintelligence operation conducted by Ukrainian service over the course of more than a month.
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The commander of the Tymur Special Unit reported the outcome of the operation directly to Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov. He confirmed that Ukrainian intelligence identified both the organizers within russian special services and the intended executors, effectively dismantling the operational chain behind the planned attack.
In a notable twist, Ukrainian intelligence also gained control of the funds allocated by russia for the assassination. According to the report, the money was redirected to support Ukraine's resistance efforts, turning the hostile operation into a material gain for Kyiv.
It was confirmed that Denis Kapustin is currently on Ukrainian territory and preparing to resume active participation in combat and special operations. His temporary absence, according to Ukrainian intelligence and Denis Kapustin himself, did not affect the operational effectiveness of the Russian Volunteer Corps.
Kyrylo Budanov personally addressed Denis Kapustin during the briefing via video link, congratulating him on what he described as a "return to life". Kyrylo Budanov underscored the symbolic significance of the failed assassination, noting that funds intended to eliminate Ukrainian ally were instead used to strengthen Ukraine's struggle.
Denis Kapustin, known by the call sign White Rex, reported his readiness to continue commanding the RDK and to redeploy to the area of operations. He emphasized that the unit remains fully capable and prepared to carry out both combat and special tasks against russian forces.
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