Ukraine Fakes Commander's Death, Keeps Russian Reward Money

Ukraine's military intelligence agency says it staged the assassination of a Russian commander fighting for Kyiv. The operation identified Russian agents who ordered the killing and took their $500,000 reward money. The target was Denis Kapustin, leader of the Russian Volunteer Corps and its "Timur Special Unit." His own unit announced he was killed on the frontline last Saturday. On Thursday, Kapustin appeared alive on a video call with Ukrainian spy chief Kyrylo Budanov. "I congratulate you on returning to life," Budanov said. Ukraine's GUR intelligence unit stated the killing was ordered by Russian special services. The GUR said it faked Kapustin's death to protect him and uncover the plotters. "The funds received from ordering your liquidation went to help our fight," Budanov told Kapustin. The unit confirmed it received the Russian payment. In other developments, Ukrainian drones hit energy and industrial sites in three Russian regions overnight. Fires were reported at an oil refinery and an energy facility. Both sides exchanged accusations of attacking civilians over the New Year. Ukrainian officials reported one civilian death and damage to rail facilities in recent attacks.