A prominent anti-Putin fighter, Denis Kapustin, was killed in combat during a drone strike in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, according to an announcement from his unit on Saturday. Kapustin was the commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), a paramilitary group opposing the Russian government. His death occurred on the frontline while undertaking a combat mission, leading to a statement from the RVC on Telegram that emphasized his bravery and commitment to their cause: “Kapustin died heroically during a combat mission. We will definitely take revenge, Denis. Your legacy lives on.”
Kapustin, 41, also known as Denis Nikitin and “White Rex,” had been residing in Ukraine since 2017. Born in Moscow, he moved to Germany with his family at the age of 17, before relocating to Ukraine. His past is marked by controversy, as he faced bans from several European countries due to his involvement in football hooliganism and alleged neo-Nazi affiliations, which he has disputed.
In response to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by President Vladimir Putin in February 2022, Kapustin played a crucial role in forming the elite Third Assault Brigade of Ukraine. Later, he established the Russian Volunteer Corps, which is dedicated to opposing Putin’s regime. The group’s mission statement reflects its objective: to “wage an armed combat against the dictatorship of Putin and his entourage, depriving Russia of a future,” as expressed on their official website.
The Russian Volunteer Corps has gained notoriety for its cross-border operations into Russian villages, where they have captured numerous Russian soldiers. This bold approach has drawn criticism from Putin, who has labeled the group as “saboteurs” and “terrorists.” Following a notable incursion in March 2023, Kapustin was placed on the Kremlin’s registry of “terrorists and extremists” and subsequently added to Russia’s Interior Ministry wanted list.
Kapustin’s death marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the intensity and personal stakes involved for those fighting against the Russian government. His legacy, as articulated by his comrades, will continue to resonate within the ranks of the Russian Volunteer Corps as they pursue their mission in the face of adversity.
