Denis "WhiteRex" Kapustin, Commander of Russian Volunteer Corps, Killed in Action

Denis "WhiteRex" Kapustin, the founder and commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), was killed in action during combat on the Zaporizhzhia front in Ukraine overnight from December 26 to December 27, 2025. His death marks a significant moment in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, where he led a group of Russian nationals fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against the Russian military.

Key Details

Denis Kapustin, also known by his alias "WhiteRex," was born in Moscow in 1984. He relocated to Germany as a teenager, where he became known as a far-right activist and former football hooligan. Kapustin organized events under the "White Rex" brand, which is associated with nationalist and far-right ideologies. Despite his rejection of neo-Nazi labels, he faced a Schengen entry ban in 2019 due to his extremist ties. In August 2022, he moved to Ukraine and established the Russian Volunteer Corps, which is composed primarily of Russian citizens and emigrants.

The Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), known in Russian as Русский добровольческий корпус (RDK), is a paramilitary unit that operates in Ukraine. The group has been involved in various combat operations alongside Ukrainian forces, including frontline engagements and cross-border raids into Russian territories such as Bryansk in 2023 and Belgorod from 2023 to 2024. The RVC positions itself as a defender of Ukraine while simultaneously seeking to overthrow the regime of President Vladimir Putin. Its ideological stance is characterized by conservative and nationalist views, distinguishing it from the more liberal Freedom of Russia Legion, another anti-Putin group.

The RVC is often assessed as holding right-wing conservative to far-right or white nationalist ideologies, with its manifesto criticized for containing ethnic-focused rhetoric. The Russian government has designated the RVC as a terrorist organization, reflecting the contentious nature of its operations and the broader conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Background

Kapustin"s journey from Moscow to becoming a commander in the RVC illustrates the complex landscape of the Russo-Ukrainian War. His early life in Moscow and subsequent move to Germany shaped his political views and activism. The "White Rex" brand, which he founded, became synonymous with far-right activism, and his activities in Germany led to significant scrutiny from authorities, culminating in a ban from entering Schengen Area countries.

After relocating to Ukraine, Kapustin"s leadership of the RVC marked a notable shift in the dynamics of the conflict, as it brought together Russian nationals who oppose the Kremlin"s actions in Ukraine. The RVC"s operations have included direct military engagements and strategic raids, contributing to the ongoing resistance against Russian military forces.

What"s Next

The death of Denis Kapustin could have significant implications for the Russian Volunteer Corps and the broader anti-Putin movement within Ukraine. His leadership was pivotal in uniting Russian nationals under a common cause against the Putin regime. The RVC"s future operations may be affected by this loss, potentially leading to changes in command structure or strategy as the conflict continues to evolve.

As the Russo-Ukrainian War persists, the ideological battles and military engagements involving groups like the RVC will remain critical to understanding the complexities of this ongoing conflict. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, with implications for regional stability and security.