On the night of December 27, Denis Kapustin—the commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) widely known by his call sign "WhiteRex"—was killed during a combat mission on the Zaporizhzhia front.

As reported by "Hvylya," the RDK officially announced his death via Telegram. Preliminary data indicates that the 41-year-old commander was killed by an enemy FPV drone strike. Investigations into the full details of the incident are currently ongoing.

"We will surely avenge you, Denis. Your cause lives on," his fellow fighters stated.

Background

Kapustin was a prominent figure far beyond the military sphere. Before the full-scale war, he was a notable figure in the football hooligan scene and fight clubs, organizing MMA tournaments across Europe and the CIS. He also founded the clothing brand White Rex, popular in right-wing circles for featuring veiled Nazi imagery.

Robert Claus, a researcher of far-right movements, described Kapustin as a "key figure among right-wing extremists in Europe" and "one of the continent’s most dangerous neo-Nazis."

Following the 2022 Russian invasion, Kapustin moved to Ukraine, where he formed the RDK. Initially, the RDK operated independently before coordinating its combat activities as part of the Ukrainian forces.

In Russia, Kapustin and his corps drew the ire of the authorities. The RDK was designated a terrorist organization, and in 2023, Kapustin was sentenced to life in prison in absentia after being found guilty on various charges, including high treason and the creation of a terrorist community.

The trial was held behind closed doors. In April of that year, a Moscow court issued an arrest warrant for Kapustin in connection with a March raid on villages in the Bryansk region, for which the RDK claimed responsibility.

About the RDK

The Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK) is a unit within Ukraine's International Legion of Territorial Defense. Formed in August 2022, it consists of Russian citizens who chose to take up arms to defend Ukraine.

Composition The corps is comprised of several categories of Russian citizens:

  • Ethnic Russian emigrants living in Ukraine or European countries.

  • Former Russian servicemen who defected to the Ukrainian side (including former prisoners of war).

  • Volunteers whose recruitment since November 2022 has also been supported by the "Civic Council" (a coalition of public figures from various Russian regions).

Operational History and Geography The unit is actively involved in the war across several fronts:

  • On the Front Lines: Fighters have been seen in battles near Avdiivka and Lyman, as well as on the Zaporizhzhia front. In the summer of 2022, they operated alongside the 98th "Azov" Territorial Defense Battalion.

  • Inside Russian Territory: The corps is known for operations in Russian regions bordering Ukraine.

Example of a Successful Operation One notable operation was a night raid on January 24, 2023, in the Nova Kakhovka area. Working with the GUR (Ukraine's military intelligence) special forces, RDK fighters:

  • Crossed to the left bank of the Dnipro River.

  • Destroyed a BTR-82A and killed at least 12 Russian soldiers.

  • Captured a prisoner.

  • Obtained critical intelligence regarding enemy reserves before successfully returning.