In a dramatic turn of events, Ukrainian military intelligence revealed that they staged the death of a high-ranking Russian commander. He had switched sides to fight for Ukraine. The operation was carried out by the GUR military intelligence unit. It aimed to protect Denis Kapustin, also known as Denis Nikitin. The mission also sought to uncover Kremlin-backed Russian agents behind the plot to kill him. Ukraine even successfully captured the $500,000 reward the Kremlin had promised for his assassination.
Russian Commander Fakes Death to Outs Kremlin Plot
Denis Kapustin is the leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps and the “Timur Special Unit,” both of which are involved in Ukraine’s fight against Russia. On Saturday, his unit announced that Kapustin had been killed on the frontline. However, on Thursday, he appeared alive via video link at a briefing with Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence.
Budanov congratulated Kapustin, saying, “First of all, Mr. Denis, I congratulate you on returning to life. This is always a pleasure. I’m glad that the funds received from ordering your liquidation went to help our fight.”
The Ukrainian military intelligence said the operation allowed them to identify the masterminds within Russia’s special services who had ordered the assassination. Ukraine intercepted the $500,000 reward allocated by Russian intelligence and reportedly used it to support their military efforts. The Timur unit confirmed that it captured a “corresponding amount of funds allocated by Russian intelligence agencies for the implementation of this crime” as part of the ruse.
Kapustin has a controversial past. He has associated with far-right groups and engaged in football hooliganism, and some members of his unit have expressed neo-Nazi views. Despite this, he continues to play a key role in Ukrainian operations against Russian forces.
Ukrainian Strikes Target Russian Energy and Industrial Sites
The same day as the intelligence briefing, Ukrainian forces carried out a series of drone strikes against energy and industrial facilities across Russia. Local officials reported fires at the Ilskiy oil refinery in Krasnodar, an energy storage facility in Almetyevsk, Tatarstan, and an industrial plant in Lyudinovo, Kaluga region.
The Ukrainian military confirmed strikes in Krasnodar and Tatarstan, highlighting their ability to target key infrastructure deep inside Russian territory. These attacks caused significant damage to energy facilities, disrupting local production and storage operations.
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Meanwhile, both Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of attacks on civilians during the New Year period. Russia reported a deadly strike on a hotel in territory it occupies in southern Ukraine. Kyiv responded by emphasizing that their operations strictly focus on military and energy targets.
In Ukraine’s Kherson region, the local governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, said attackers killed a man and injured an 87-year-old woman in the city. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said attackers also targeted rail facilities in three regions, further showing that the conflict continues to affect strategic infrastructure beyond the battlefield.
Kyiv’s Bold Intelligence Moves Reveal Kremlin Vulnerabilities
This staged assassination reveals a new level of sophistication in Ukraine’s intelligence operations. By faking the death of Kapustin, Kyiv saved the life of a key ally. The operation also exposed the inner workings of Russian intelligence. It identified the Russian agents involved in the plot. Ukraine intercepted a major bounty intended to eliminate a critical figure fighting for the country.
Budanov publicly acknowledged the operation. He highlighted the strategic advantage of turning a Russian assassination plot into a direct gain for Ukraine. He said, “The funds received from ordering your liquidation went to help our fight.” The statement emphasized how the intelligence victory provided tangible resources for the Ukrainian military.
The operation also shows the risks faced by defectors and those opposing Moscow from within Russia. Despite Kapustin’s controversial background and the views of some of his fighters, the Ukrainian military considers him and his unit an important asset in ongoing operations.
The staged death and capture of the Kremlin’s bounty demonstrates modern intelligence warfare. Deception and strategy can directly impact the battlefield and reveal enemy operations. It shows that Ukraine is not only defending its territory. It is also actively targeting the structures and people orchestrating attacks from the other side.