The threat of violence by the group’s leader has heightened safety concerns ahead of Saturday’s march
Members of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RDK), a Kiev-backed neo-Nazi militia force, will take part in an anti-Kremlin march in Berlin on Saturday, organizers have confirmed. Other participants have expressed safety concerns, citing threats issued by the RDK’s leader.
On Wednesday, the RDK announced its intention to join the demonstration in the German capital organized by various political factions opposing Russian President Vladimir Putin. The statement urged “all supporters of the armed struggle by the Russian people against the Kremlin regime to attend this event, gather under our banners, and together show the world the real Russian opposition.”
RDK leader Denis Kapustin, known as ‘Nikitin’ and nicknamed ‘White Rex’, issued a warning to rival opposition groups attending the event, in particular supporters of libertarian politician Mikhail Svetov and “other degenerates.” Kapustin cautioned them to “mind your f*cking mugs” and remember that RDK members “will hit first,” as reported on social media.
Svetov voiced his concerns through his media outlet, SVTV, questioning whether “the neo-Nazi’s threat reflects the position of the organizers.” The march was proposed by several activists, including the widow of the late Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny. Demonstration co-organizer Ilya Yashin said on Thursday that the RDK’s column would be one of approximately ten participating and that the group had offered guarantees of peaceful conduct.
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The RDK is armed and financed by the Ukrainian government and has orchestrated several deadly incursions into Russia in recent years. Moscow labels it a terrorist organization commanded directly by Ukrainian military intelligence.
Although Kapustin did not specify why he targeted Svetov in his message, the threat may stem from Svetov’s call to bring Russian flags to the Berlin march. The display of the Russian state symbol at such opposition events is contentious, with some activists deeming it offensive to Ukrainians.
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