In brief
Three suspects have been named in the shooting of Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev, a senior figure in Russia's military intelligence. Ukrainian-born Lyubomir Korba is believed to be the shooter. Russian authorities allege he was operating on behalf of Ukrainian intelligence, a claim Kyiv denies. This incident amplifies the tension between Russia and Ukraine, especially as high-profile military figures have been targeted amidst the ongoing conflict.
Russia has identified three suspects involved in the shooting of high-profile military figure Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev, with the main suspect named as Lyubomir Korba, a Ukrainian-born Russian citizen. According to Russia's Investigations Committee, Korba arrived in Moscow in late December, allegedly assigned by Ukrainian intelligence to commit a terrorist attack. Kyiv has denied any involvement in the incident. The shooting took place in a residential area in the outskirts of Moscow, where Alexeyev was attacked and subsequently hospitalized. Reports indicate he has regained consciousness post-surgery. Korba fired three shots before fleeing the scene and later was apprehended in the UAE, with Russian state media showing footage of his arrest. The incident is significant as Alexeyev is the second-highest leader in Russia's military intelligence agency (GRU) and comes amid rising tensions in the ongoing war with Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that the attack was aimed at sabotaging ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Two other accomplices have been named: Viktor Vasin, who has been arrested, and Zinaida Serebritskaya, who has reportedly left for Ukraine. The use of a silenced Makarov pistol in the attack underscores the precision and planning involved, drawing international scrutiny and bolstering fears of escalating violence in the region.
