Russia Names Three Suspects Over Shooting of General
Russia has identified three suspects connected to the shooting of high-profile military general Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev. This incident marks another critical event in the ongoing turbulent relations between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Details of the Incident
– Date and Location: The shooting occurred on Friday at a residential block of flats located in the north-western outskirts of Moscow.
– Main Suspect: Lyubomir Korba, a Ukrainian-born Russian citizen, is accused of carrying out the attack.
– Allegations: Russia’s Investigations Committee (SK) claims that Korba arrived in Moscow in late December on assignment from Ukrainian intelligence services to commit a terrorist act. However, Kyiv has firmly denied any involvement in the shooting.
Current Status of General Alexeyev
– Condition: Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev, aged 64, was hospitalized following the attack but has since regained consciousness after undergoing surgery.
– Position: Alexeyev is the second-in-command of the main directorate of Russia’s GRU military intelligence—an essential figure during the ongoing conflict since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Details of the Attack
– Execution: According to spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko, Korba fired three shots before fleeing the scene. He reportedly traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) just hours after the incident.
– Arrest and Extradition: Shortly thereafter, Korba was arrested and extradited to Russia. Footage aired by Russian state TV channel Ru-24 showed security agents escorting him off a plane at an undisclosed location.
Investigation Insights
– Evidence Found: Investigators revealed that a Makarov pistol, equipped with a silencer and three rounds of ammunition, was discovered at the crime scene. Forensic tests are currently being conducted on the firearm.
– International Cooperation: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for facilitating Korba’s capture.
Broader Implications
– Accusations and Diplomatic Tensions: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha emphasized that Kyiv had no connection to the shooting, suggesting it was an internal matter for Russia. Conversely, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of instigating the attack to disrupt peace negotiations ongoing in Abu Dhabi, where Adm Igor Kostyukov, head of the GRU, is leading discussions alongside Ukrainian and U.S. officials.
– Associated Individuals:
– Viktor Vasin, another suspect named by the SK, has been arrested in Moscow and is facing charges.
– A woman named Zinaida Serebritskaya, believed to be an accomplice, has reportedly fled to Ukraine, although further details about her involvement remain unclear.
Contextual Background
Recent history shows that attacks on high-ranking Russian military figures have escalated during this ongoing conflict. Notable incidents include:
– A thwarted attack on a Russian soldier in St Petersburg claimed to have been linked to an Uzbek national imprisoned for the 2024 assassination of General Igor Kirillov.
– The assassination of another GRU officer, Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov, in December 2025, instigated by an explosive device.
Conclusion
The shooting of Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev highlights the intensifying complexities of security, intelligence, and international relations amidst the Russia-Ukraine war. This incident not only underscores the potential internal conflicts within Russia but also raises questions about the strategic implications of such attacks on military leadership during a time of ongoing diplomatic negotiations.