KYIV: Denis Kapustin, the leader of the Russian paramilitary renegade group that claimed responsibility for a cross-border foray from Ukraine into Russia has pledged more similar incursions.
Denis Kapustin, the commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), told the BBC, “I think you will see us again on that side.”
Russia claimed to have killed more than 70 intruders. Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, vowed a “harsh response” to any upcoming intrusions.
Ukraine denied any involvement in the raid in the Russian region of Belgorod.
RDK and the Liberty of Russia Legion (LSR) claimed responsibility for Monday’s invasion into the Belgorod area.
On Wednesday, Kapustin told reporters on the Ukrainian side of the border: “We’re satisfied with the result [of the raid].”
Before departing Russian soil after 24 hours, he claimed that his force had taken “some weapons,” including an armoured personnel vehicle, and captured captives.
He refuted assertions by the Russian military that the saboteurs had suffered significant casualties by stating that two RDK fighters had been hurt.
Separately, the LSR said that two of its fighters had died and ten had been hurt.
At the press conference, Kapustin refuted claims that his soldiers were utilising weaponry that the United States and its allies had sent to Ukraine to aid in its defence against Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022.
Although Kyiv claims they are members of two anti-Kremlin paramilitaries, Russia refers to the RDK and LSR as Ukrainian militants.
Both organisations have previously been referred to as members of a worldwide legion engaged in Ukraine’s territorial defence and claim they intend to topple the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to Kapustin, Ukraine only offered the RDK help in the form of food, fuel, and medical supplies.
The RDK first gained prominence in March 2023 when it allegedly participated in a cross-border operation in the Bryansk area of Russia that included 45 persons.
Russian nationalist Denis Kapustin is well-known, and the organisation publicly declares its desire for a monoethnic Russian state.
When questioned about alleged neo-Nazis in the group’s ranks on Wednesday, Kapustin said, “It’s all a question of perception” and went on to identify himself as holding “traditionalist” and “patriotic” ideas.
A Ukrainian investigative website claimed in 2020 that he had ties to neo-Nazi organisations, and Kapustin has previously claimed to be a member of a group of football hooligans.
