Denis Kapustin, the commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), was killed in combat on the night of March 6, 2024, in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. The RVC, a paramilitary group opposing President Vladimir Putin, confirmed his death, stating he was struck by a drone during a frontline mission.
The announcement, made via the unit’s Telegram channel, described Kapustin as having “died heroically during a combat mission.” The message continued with a vow of revenge, stating, “We will definitely take revenge, Denis. Your legacy lives on.” The post characterized him as a fearless warrior whose actions were consistent with his words.
Kapustin, 41, also known by the alias Denis Nikitin and referred to as “White Rex,” had lived in Ukraine since 2017. Originally from Moscow, his family relocated to Germany when he was 17. Following his involvement in football hooliganism and the promotion of neo-Nazi views—claims he has contested—Kapustin was banned from several European countries.
His involvement in the conflict escalated after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces in February 2022. Kapustin played a key role in forming what became Ukraine’s elite Third Assault Brigade and later established the Russian Volunteer Corps. The group aims to fight against what they describe as the dictatorship of Putin and his affiliates, with a mission statement declaring their intent to “deprive Russia of a future.”
The Russian Volunteer Corps gained notoriety early in the conflict due to its cross-border operations into Russian villages, where they reportedly captured dozens of Russian soldiers. In response, Putin labeled the group as “saboteurs” and “terrorists.” Following one incursion in March 2023, Kapustin was added to the Kremlin’s list of “terrorists and extremists” and was placed on the wanted list by the Russian Interior Ministry, as reported by the Moscow Times.
Kapustin’s death marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, highlighting the complexities and personal stories intertwined in this prolonged war. The RVC has indicated that they will continue their struggle in honor of Kapustin’s legacy, intensifying their commitment to their cause.
