Moscow, Russia – Authorities in Russia have announced the arrest of a man suspected of shooting a high-ranking military intelligence official in Moscow on Friday, . The suspect, identified as Lyubomir Korba, a Russian national, was apprehended in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and has been extradited to Russia, according to the Federal Security Service (FSB).
The victim of the shooting, Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, deputy head of Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, was ambushed in the stairway of his apartment building. He sustained wounds to his arm, leg, and chest and has undergone surgery, Russian media reports indicate. He is reportedly in stable condition after regaining consciousness.
The FSB stated that Korba fled to Dubai shortly after the attack. His arrest was carried out with assistance from UAE partners, a collaboration acknowledged by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who thanked UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the support. According to the FSB, a search is ongoing for those who organized the attack.
Russian authorities have accused Ukrainian intelligence services of involvement in the attempted assassination. The Investigative Committee claims Korba arrived in Moscow in late December “on instructions from Ukrainian intelligence services to commit a terrorist attack,” though no evidence supporting this claim has been publicly presented. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has denied any involvement, as reported by Reuters.
Alongside Korba’s arrest in Dubai, the FSB reported the detention of an accomplice in Moscow. Another individual, described as a woman, allegedly crossed into Ukraine, evading capture. Details regarding the identities of these individuals have not been released.
Alekseyev’s position as first deputy head of the GRU makes this incident particularly sensitive. He is also the head of the Russian delegation involved in peace negotiations with Ukraine, raising concerns about potential implications for the ongoing diplomatic efforts. The timing of the attack, coinciding with continued conflict in Ukraine, adds another layer of complexity.
Korba, years old, is already subject to Western sanctions for his alleged role in cyberattacks attributed to Russia and for his purported involvement in the poisoning of former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal in the United Kingdom. His background suggests a history of involvement in sensitive and potentially hostile operations.
The attempted assassination of Alekseyev is the latest in a series of attacks targeting high-ranking Russian military figures and individuals linked to the conflict in Ukraine. In December , Ukraine’s Security Service claimed responsibility for the killing of Lieutenant-General Igor Kirillov, commander of Russia’s nuclear, biological and chemical forces. These incidents underscore the escalating tensions and the broadening scope of the conflict beyond the traditional battlefield.
The UAE’s cooperation in Korba’s extradition highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. While maintaining a relatively neutral stance on the conflict, the UAE has strategic partnerships with both Russia and Western nations. Sources with direct knowledge of the UAE’s thinking, as reported by The Guardian, suggest the UAE believes the attack was orchestrated by Ukraine.
The FSB’s investigation continues, focusing on identifying and apprehending the organizers of the attack. The incident is likely to further strain relations between Russia and Ukraine, and could potentially impact the prospects for a negotiated resolution to the conflict. The Kremlin has yet to announce any specific retaliatory measures in response to the alleged Ukrainian involvement, but the incident is certain to fuel further distrust and animosity between the two countries.
Alekseyev’s extensive experience in intelligence operations, particularly in Syria, where Russia has been militarily involved since , suggests he possesses significant knowledge and expertise. His targeting could be aimed at disrupting Russian operations or sending a message to Moscow regarding the ongoing conflict.
