A recent incident has revealed how Russian intelligence was misled into paying nearly $500,000 for a fictitious assassination of a pro-Ukrainian rebel leader. The footage, which purportedly depicted a drone strike aimed at Denis Kapustin, the founder of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVS), has been confirmed as a hoax. After the video circulated, Ukrainian intelligence announced Kapustin’s death, leading to a brief celebration within the Kremlin.
The video showed a drone flying directly towards Kapustin, followed by another angle depicting his minibus engulfed in flames. This elaborate ruse successfully deceived Russian authorities, prompting them to allocate significant funds for what they believed was a successful operation. Yet, the celebrations were short-lived when Kapustin revealed in a subsequent video that he was alive and well, while the funds had been redirected into the coffers of Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence.
Unveiling the Operation
In a dramatic turn of events, Kapustin appeared alongside Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of GUR military intelligence. The pair disclosed that the footage of the drone strike had been staged, a revelation that underscored a major failure of Russian intelligence. Budanov stated that the assassination was ordered by special services in Russia, which viewed Kapustin as a “personal enemy” of Vladimir Putin.
“[His murder was] ordered by special services of the aggressor state Russia, which allocated $500,000 for it,” Budanov declared. Instead of achieving their objective, the Russian operation has become a source of embarrassment, highlighting the vulnerabilities within their intelligence apparatus.
Budanov shared that the funds received for the sanctioned hit job would be utilized to support the directorate’s special purpose units. As of now, Kapustin remains active in Ukraine, preparing to execute further operations against Russian forces. He emphasized that his temporary absence had not hindered the ongoing efforts of the units still engaged in combat.
Aftermath and Continuing Conflict
In a lighter moment, Budanov congratulated Kapustin on his unexpected survival, quipping, “It’s always nice, I suppose.” He expressed satisfaction that the funds intended for Kapustin’s elimination would instead bolster the fight against Russian aggression.
Budanov, aged 39, has gained significant recognition during his tenure in intelligence, effectively leading operations against Russian forces. His promotion to head Volodymyr Zelensky’s presidential office coincided with the release of this dramatic footage, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
Kapustin, who has faced two life sentences in absentia from Russian courts, has returned to public view, reinforcing his role in the ongoing conflict. The incident not only highlights the complexities of the war but also serves as a reminder of the lengths to which both sides will go in their fight for dominance.
