The commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps, Denis Kapustin, was killed in combat on the night of March 15, 2024, in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, according to an announcement from his unit. The paramilitary group, which opposes Vladimir Putin‘s regime, confirmed that Kapustin lost his life during a drone strike while engaged in a frontline mission.
In a message posted on Telegram, the Russian Volunteer Corps expressed their sorrow, stating, “Kapustin died heroically during a combat mission. We will definitely take revenge, Denis. Your legacy lives on.” The post further described him as “fearless and honest,” emphasizing his dedication to his cause.
Kapustin, aged 41, was better known by the alias Denis Nikitin or “White Rex.” He had been residing in Ukraine since 2017 after relocating from Germany, where his family had moved when he was 17. His past was marked by controversy, including a ban from several European nations due to his alleged involvement in football hooliganism and his far-right views, which he has disputed.
Following Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kapustin played a significant role in establishing Ukraine’s elite Third Assault Brigade. He later founded the Russian Volunteer Corps several months later, pledging to “wage armed combat against the dictatorship of Putin and his entourage, depriving Russia of a future,” according to the group’s official website.
The Russian Volunteer Corps gained notoriety for its cross-border operations into Russian territory, where they conducted incursions into border villages and captured numerous Russian soldiers. These actions drew strong condemnation from Putin, who labeled them as “saboteurs” and “terrorists.” In March 2023, following one such incursion, Kapustin was added to the Kremlin’s registry of “terrorists and extremists” and subsequently placed on the Interior Ministry‘s wanted list.
As news of Kapustin’s death spreads, the impact of his leadership and the activities of the Russian Volunteer Corps continue to be felt in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The group remains committed to its mission, as expressed in their tribute to Kapustin, highlighting the ongoing struggle against what they perceive as tyranny.
