Russia Identifies Suspects in Shooting of Major General Alexeyev

The Russian authorities have revealed the identification of three individuals linked to the shooting of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev. Among them is Lyubomir Korba, a Ukrainian-born Russian citizen, who is alleged to have executed the attack. The Investigations Committee of Russia, known as SK, indicated that Korba arrived in Moscow in late December under orders from Ukrainian intelligence to conduct a terrorist operation. The Ukrainian authorities have categorically denied any connection to the incident.

Lieutenant General Alexeyev, aged 64, was shot in a residential building on the north-western edge of Moscow last Friday and is currently recovering in hospital after surgery. Reports from Russian media have stated that he has regained consciousness. Alexeyev is a prominent figure in the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (commonly referred to as the GRU), having risen to significant prominence in the military since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Svetlana Petrenko, a spokeswoman for the Investigations Committee, stated on Sunday that Korba allegedly fired three shots before escaping. Following the shooting, Korba departed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he was subsequently apprehended and extradited back to Russia. Footage broadcast by the Russian state television channel Ru-24 depicted security services escorting Korba from a plane.

The authorities discovered the weapon— a Makarov pistol fitted with a silencer— at the scene of the incident, along with three rounds of ammunition, as indicated by Petrenko. Forensic examinations are now being performed on the firearm.

Russian media has cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, revealing that President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their assistance in the capture of Korba.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated through a Reuters report that Kyiv was not involved in the shooting, suggesting that it might stem from internal issues within Russia. On the other hand, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attributed the incident to Ukrainian motives aimed at disrupting ongoing peace discussions between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.

Alexeyev’s superior, Admiral Igor Kostyukov, has previously led the Russian delegation in recent trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi regarding the conflict. Korba is believed to have had at least one accomplice. Viktor Vasin has been arrested and charged in Moscow, while a woman named Zinaida Serebritskaya has allegedly left for Ukraine amidst investigations.

Historically, there have been instances where Ukrainian forces have targeted Russian military leaders. In January, an Uzbek national was sentenced to prison for an explosion resulting in the death of another general, Igor Kirillov. Additionally, in December 2025, another high-ranking GRU officer perished in a detonation under his vehicle in Moscow.

The previous year has seen attempts to target senior military officials within Russia with varying success; however, the attack on Lieutenant General Alexeyev raises questions regarding the effectiveness of Russian security measures in safeguarding military personnel. Concerns regarding this incident's implications for the current state of Russia's military leadership further exacerbate the ongoing tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine.