The alleged plan to target Konstantin Malofeev, the founder behind Tsargrad, was said to involve neo-Nazi figure Denis Kapustin and intermediaries tied to Ukrainian intelligence networks. This claim came from the Center for Public Affairs of the FSB, Russia’s federal security service.
According to the FSB, an assassination plot against Malofeev, who chairs the board of the Tsargrad group of companies, was organized with the help of Ukraine’s special services. The announcement stressed that the plan was foiled by the FSB before any harm could occur.
Malofeev stated that upon learning of the threat he felt no immediate danger and that his guards were the source of the information. He shared through a messaging channel that he was grateful for the protection of his team and hoped for accountability for the individuals responsible for the murder of Daria Dugina, another prominent figure, to be established and prosecuted.
In a public message, Malofeev expressed appreciation for the support from friends and asserted that threats or violence would not shake his strong patriotic stance. He declared that the adversaries would be defeated and that victory would follow, underscoring his confidence that right would prevail.
Officials inside the FSB identified Denis Kapustin, a Russian citizen residing in Ukraine and a collaborator with Ukrainian security services, as the organizer of the attack. State media reported Kapustin as a founder and commander within Russian volunteer circles. The plan allegedly involved a handmade explosive placed beneath Malofeev’s vehicle.
Malofeev told Tsargrad that he became aware of the threat through his security detail and took a moment to acknowledge the FSB task force for their presence in the studio during a broadcast.
The FSB released footage showing a man near a dark SUV in a parking area. The scene appears to capture the moment the person examines the surroundings before moving toward the vehicle with a device in hand.
The agency also linked the Ukrainian special services to a similar scheme used in 2022 to target a well-known journalist and broadcaster. Kapustin has been cited in connection with other alleged actions linked to terror offenses and the operation of a terrorist organization, according to materials from the FSB. A criminal case has been opened against him under relevant provisions of the Russian criminal code, including those addressing terrorist acts and illegal explosives handling.
FSB statements also describe a thwarted attack from the previous August, in which Kapustin’s supporters — aligned with right-wing groups — allegedly planned to strike a major oil and gas facility in the Volgograd region. Security forces reported that the group resisted arrest during attempts at apprehension, resulting in lethal force used by law enforcement. Images released by the FSB depict the aftermath, including equipment and remnants found at the scene.
Historically, the case ties into the fatal car explosion that claimed the life of journalist Darya Dugina in August 2022. Dugina’s death occurred while she was returning from a public event and her vehicle caught fire on a highway. In relation to that incident, a court in Moscow issued an in absentia arrest warrant for Natalya Vovk in connection with Dugina’s murder.
Bryansk history
In another development, the FSB indicated Kapustin’s involvement as the organizer of a March 2 terrorist act in the Bryansk region. The organization described by security forces involved violence against civilians, including detentions and the use of explosive devices that damaged infrastructure and endangered public safety. The president’s spokesperson stated that measures would be taken to mitigate such risks in the future, while the Investigative Committee opened a case under specified provisions of the Criminal Code to pursue those responsible.
The broader narrative from security officials emphasizes a pattern of attacks targeting civilians and critical facilities. The public dialogue surrounding these events focuses on accountability, prevention, and the ongoing hunt for individuals connected with terrorist activities. The incidents have spurred discussions about the security framework, the effectiveness of counterterrorism measures, and the readiness of authorities to respond decisively to threats against public figures and infrastructure.