[1] Bugayev made his debut for the Russia national team in 2004, playing 90 minutes in a friendly match against Austria ending in a goalless draw.

[4] He earned three more caps in 2006 World Cup qualification, playing 90 minutes in 4–0 wins against both Luxembourg[5] and Estonia[6] and a 1–7 loss against Portugal.

[11] On 24 September 2024, he pled guilty to drug distribution and was sentenced to 9.5 years of imprisonment.

[12] While imprisoned, Bugayev sought to enlist in the military to participate in the war against Ukraine.

[1][9] Due to his death in the war zone, his body could not be immediately recovered.