[1] In late September or early October 1931, Pappengut commanded some 250 White Russians who headed the forces of Zhang Peiyuan moving from Ili towards the besieged garrison in Kumul Old City.

The White Russian emigrants had no other choice but to enlist since Jin threatened them with deportation to the Soviet Union and even arrest of their women to force them to recruit.

The fall of Ürümqi was seemingly eminent, but the arrival of some 300 White Russians changed the tide and the Dungan forces were driven back[5] some 1 km northwestwards[6] after two days of fighting.

[7] Even though the White Russian forces gave significant contributions to Xinjiang's war efforts, they were irregularly paid and provided with the worst horses and ammunition.

[7] Pappengut and other White Russian officers approached the leaders of the National Salvation Army, and having been assured of their backing, mounted a coup against Jin on the night of 12 April.

[9] Pappengut was executed in December 1933 or January 1934 under the orders of Sheng Shicai, Military Governor of Xinjiang by the request of Garegin Apresov, Soviet Consul General in Ürümqi.