Right-Wing Extremist Faked Death in Ukraine to Evade Assassination, Ukrainian Intelligence Reveals
January 2, 2026 – 1:45 PM PST – In a stunning turn of events, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) has confirmed it deliberately misled the public about the death of Denis Kapustin, a German national with a history of right-wing extremism, to protect him from a targeted assassination. This breaking news story, rapidly gaining traction, highlights the complex and dangerous landscape of the conflict in Ukraine and the individuals drawn into it. This is a developing story, optimized for Google News and SEO indexing.
From Cologne Hooligan to Ukrainian Fighter: The Story of Denis Kapustin
Kapustin, also known as Denis Nikitin, reportedly lived in Cologne, Germany for nearly two decades before losing his residency in 2019 and being banned from the Schengen area. His journey from the hooligan scene surrounding 1. FC Cologne in the early 2000s to becoming a figure in the European neo-Nazi movement is a chilling illustration of radicalization. According to reports from the North Rhine-Westphalia Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Kapustin’s involvement in violence began in Cologne-Chorweiler, escalating over time.
He later founded “White Rex,” a martial arts label and event organizer that became a central hub for neo-Nazi activity in Moscow. The NRW Office for the Protection of the Constitution consistently monitored his activities, recognizing him as a key organizer of extremist gatherings. His expulsion from Germany in 2019 didn’t end his involvement in extremist circles; instead, he relocated to Ukraine.
Staged Death and Russian Assassination Plot
Last Saturday, the Russian Volunteer Corps announced Kapustin’s death. However, during a New Year’s Day briefing, Kapustin himself unexpectedly appeared via video link, confirming that his death had been faked by the HUR. HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov congratulated him on his “return to life.”
The Ukrainian intelligence service stated that Russian special forces had issued a direct order for Kapustin’s assassination. A “comprehensive special operation” was then launched to safeguard his life and identify those responsible. The HUR claims to have successfully neutralized the threat and is continuing to investigate the plot. Kapustin has reportedly expressed his continued commitment to combat operations and “special tasks” within Ukraine.
The Broader Context: Foreign Fighters and Extremist Networks in Ukraine
This incident underscores the presence of foreign fighters – and the potential for extremist ideologies – within the Ukrainian conflict. While many international volunteers have joined Ukraine to defend against Russian aggression, the involvement of individuals with extremist backgrounds raises complex security concerns. The Ukrainian government faces the delicate task of accepting foreign assistance while mitigating the risks associated with potentially radicalized individuals.
The case of Denis Kapustin also highlights the evolving tactics employed in modern warfare, where disinformation and deception can be used to protect key assets. Faking a death, while drastic, can be a viable strategy to disrupt enemy operations and safeguard individuals under threat. This is a tactic that has been seen, in various forms, throughout history, but its public acknowledgement by a national intelligence agency is relatively rare.
Understanding Right-Wing Extremism: A Global Challenge
Kapustin’s story isn’t isolated. The rise of right-wing extremism is a global phenomenon, fueled by online radicalization, economic anxieties, and political polarization. Understanding the motivations and networks of extremist groups is crucial for effective counter-terrorism efforts. Organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League provide valuable resources for tracking and combating hate groups. The “White Rex” organization, founded by Kapustin, serves as a case study in how martial arts can be co-opted to promote extremist ideologies and recruit new members.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global security threats and the need for international cooperation to address them. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the potential for further involvement of foreign fighters – and the associated risks – remains a significant concern.
This is a rapidly developing story. Archyde.com will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Stay informed and engaged with our ongoing coverage of global events and security issues. Explore our archives for in-depth analysis of the Ukraine conflict and the rise of extremism worldwide.