Russian authorities announced Sunday that the individual suspected of shooting a senior official within the country’s military intelligence structure has been detained abroad and transferred back to Russia, with officials claiming the attack was carried out at the direction of Ukrainian intelligence.
According to statements from Russia’s Investigative Committee, Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev — the first deputy chief of the military intelligence agency commonly known as the GRU — was hospitalized after being shot multiple times on Friday outside an apartment building in northwestern Moscow. Officials described his condition as serious but stable as he continues to receive medical treatment.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) identified the suspect as Russian citizen Lyubomir Korba, stating that he had been apprehended in Dubai and subsequently handed over to Russian authorities. Investigators allege that Korba traveled to Moscow late last year after receiving instructions from Ukrainian intelligence services to carry out what Russian officials characterized as a terrorist attack targeting Alekseyev.
The FSB also reported that two additional individuals were believed to have assisted in planning or facilitating the incident. One alleged accomplice has reportedly been detained within Moscow, while another is said to have fled the country and is believed to be located in Ukraine.
The shooting follows a pattern of attacks against Russian military figures since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in 2022. Russian officials have frequently attributed such incidents to Ukrainian intelligence operations, though Kyiv has publicly acknowledged responsibility for only a limited number of past cases and did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the latest accusations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the incident as an apparent act of terrorism intended to disrupt ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the conflict. The attack occurred shortly after negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States concluded two days of talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at exploring potential pathways toward de-escalation.
Alekseyev, who has held his senior intelligence post since 2011, is a decorated military officer who previously received the Hero of Russia award for his role in operations in Syria. He has also appeared publicly during key moments in recent Russian military developments, including during the Wagner Group’s brief rebellion in 2023.
Authorities indicated that the investigation remains active, with further interrogations and forensic analysis underway as officials seek to determine the full scope of the alleged plot and any additional participants.
