Commander of the RDK Kapustin explained his death: it was an operation of the GUR.

Denis Kapustin's comment on staging his own death

According to ТСН: The head of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) Denis Kapustin publicly commented for the first time on the rumors of his "death" that emerged at the end of the year. In his address, he explained that it was part of a special operation.

Kapustin expressed gratitude to everyone who honored his memory and offered condolences, noting that he was touched by people's reactions.

"I was very pleased and sad at the same time to read your messages to me as a 'deceased'. I did not expect that so many people find it important and necessary what I do," he wrote.

In his opinion, the rumors about his supposed death were not random, and he was not seeking publicity or fame.

"I want to remind you all that my place of service is called the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Now you understand that my 'death' was not some silly farce, but a specially deceptive operation that culminated in absolute success," he stated.

The head of the RDK emphasized that people should not be ashamed to express support and memory, as they were sincere.

"I saw graffiti from Germany, street actions from Italy and Bulgaria, videos and posts from friends and comrades from the USA, Australia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. I am very grateful to all of you and touched by your attitude," Kapustin said.

He also promised to stay close to his supporters and fellow fighters and announced further actions in 2026.

"I am with you forever, my friends. Let's together 'tear apart' this 2026 year — it will definitely be very interesting. A number of belated New Year's gifts from me personally will also come to you soon," summed up the head of the RDK.

Let us remind you that on December 27, the RDK announced the death of Kapustin during a combat mission in the Zaporizhzhia direction due to an FPV drone strike. However, on January 1, 2026, it became known that the commander of the RDK was alive, and it was an operation of the GUR aimed at staging his assassination. Russian special services, confident in his liquidation, paid the Ukrainian side 500 thousand dollars.

Subsequently, the GUR released a video demonstrating how Kapustin's death was staged. These events sparked lively discussions among analysts and experts trying to assess their impact on the conflict and the strategies of both sides.