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Ukraine tricks Russia into paying $500K bounty for fake hit on Putin opponent: report
By Louis Casiano
Published January 02, 2026
Ukraine orchestrated a fake hit on one of Russia's enemies who has fought alongside Ukrainian forces, tricking the Kremlin into paying out a $500,000 bounty Kyiv used to fund its war effort.
The subject of the supposed Dec. 27 assassination was Denis Kapustin, also known as "White Rex," the leader of the right-wing Russian Volunteer Corps, a group fighting for the overthrow of Vladimir Putin, Metro UK reported.
However, Kapustin is alive despite claims from the Ukrainian Armed Forces last week that he was killed by an FPV drone in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.
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Denis Kapustin, also known by his pseudonym, "White Rex," the leader of the right-wing Russian Volunteer Corps, was initially reported to have been killed by a drone strike. (East2West)
"We will definitely avenge you, Denis. Your legacy lives on," the RVC group wrote on Telegram last week.
On Thursday, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR) confirmed this was part of a special operation to save Kapustin’s life and, in the process, earn $500,000.
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Denis Kapustin, also known by his pseudonym "White Rex," appeared in a video announcing he was alive after Ukraine reportedly orchestrated a ruse to fool Russia. (East2West)
"Welcome back to life," HUR General Kyrylo Budanov, who heads Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, said while congratulating Kapustin and his team on a successful intelligence operation, News.com.au, an Australian news website, reported.
After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kapustin founded the RVC to fight alongside the Ukrainian army.
A drone headed toward a vehicle as part of a ruse to fool Russia into thinking Denis Kapustin was killed. (East2West)
The group, which was banned in Russia as a terrorist organization, was known for staging cross-border attacks in Russia’s Belgorod and Kursk regions. He had twice been sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by kangaroo courts in Russia, The Sun reported.
A still image from a reported drone blast that killed one of Russia's biggest enemies. (East2West)
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In March 2024, the RVC stormed into Russia and clashed with security forces before capturing Russian soldiers.
Ukraine and Russia are in the middle of peace talks mediated by President Donald Trump. The deal is close, but Ukrainian leaders have said the sticking point remains the issue of disputed territories.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/ukraine-tricks-russia-paying-500k-bounty-fake-hit-putin-opponent-report