Suspects Identified in Shooting of Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev
Russian authorities have identified three suspects connected to the shooting of high-ranking military official Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev. Among them is the alleged gunman, Lyubomir Korba, a Ukrainian-born Russian citizen.
According to Russia's Investigations Committee (SK), Korba arrived in Moscow in late December "on assignment from Ukrainian intelligence services to commit a terrorist attack." Kyiv has reportedly denied any involvement in the incident.
Alexeyev, aged 64, was hospitalized following the attack that occurred on Friday at a residential block of flats located in the north-western outskirts of Moscow. He has since regained consciousness after undergoing surgery, as reported by Russian media.
Background on Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev
Alexeyev holds the position of number two in the main directorate of Russia's GRU military intelligence. He is the latest senior military figure to be targeted in or near Moscow since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Details of the Attack and Investigation
Spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko stated on Sunday that the attacker fired three shots before fleeing the scene. Korba reportedly traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) just hours after the shooting but has since been arrested and extradited back to Russia.
Russian state television channel Ru-24 broadcast footage showing security agents escorting Korba off a plane at an undisclosed location.
Petrenko added,
"Investigators conducted a thorough inspection at the scene, during which they discovered the murder weapon—a Makarov pistol with a silencer and three rounds of ammunition."Forensic examinations are currently being conducted on the firearm.
International Cooperation and Political Reactions
Russian media, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, reported that President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday for the UAE's assistance in apprehending Korba.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, quoted by , stated on Friday that Kyiv was not involved in the shooting, suggesting it was an internal Russian matter.
Conversely, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Kyiv of orchestrating the attack to disrupt ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict between the two nations, which began in February 2022.
Context of Ongoing Conflict and Negotiations
Alexeyev's superior, GRU head Admiral Igor Kostyukov, has recently led the Russian delegation in trilateral talks with Ukraine and the United States held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.
Additional Suspects and Charges
Korba is alleged to have had at least one accomplice. Viktor Vasin, named by the SK, has been arrested in Moscow and charged in connection with the case.
A woman identified as Zinaida Serebritskaya, who has since departed for Ukraine, is also believed to be involved. However, Petrenko did not provide further details regarding her role.
Previous Attacks on Russian Military Figures
Ukraine has claimed responsibility for some attacks targeting Russian military personnel in the past. Russian intelligence officials reported thwarting an attempted attack on a Russian soldier in St Petersburg at the end of last month.
In January 2024, an Uzbek man was sentenced for the killing of another general, Igor Kirillov, in an explosion outside a residential block in Moscow. Ukrainian intelligence agency SBU sources stated at the time that they were behind the attack.
Lt Gen Kirillov was responsible for Russia's Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Protection troops.
In December 2025, another senior GRU officer, Lt Gen Fanil Sarvarov, was killed when an explosive device detonated beneath his car in Moscow. According to Russia's SK, he oversaw the armed forces' operational training department.
