The Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on 8/2 that Lyubomir Korba, a Russian national, is the suspect in the attempted assassination of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, deputy director of Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU).

The FSB stated that Korba was arrested in Dubai and is being extradited to Russia. The suspect's motive remains unknown.

Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, deputy director of Russia's Main Intelligence Directorate. Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

Alekseyev was attacked on 6/2 at an apartment building on Volokolamsk Street in Moskva. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including three to the chest, but was hospitalized and is now in stable condition.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused Kiev of being behind the "terrorist attack", stating it was an attempt to derail peace negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Kiev denied any involvement in the shooting.

The attack occurred one day after Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Abu Dhabi, where both sides reported progress in peace talks. Alekseyev's superior, Igor Kostyukov, director of the GRU, led the Russian delegation.

General Alekseyev, 64, has served as deputy director of the GRU since 2011. Western countries sanctioned him for alleged involvement in cyberattacks and his role in the 2018 poisoning of former Russian agent Sergei Skripal in England.

When the Wagner private security forces staged a rebellion in 6/2023, General Alekseyev was among the senior officials sent to negotiate with leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. General Alekseyev also commanded intelligence operations during Russia's campaign in Syria, supporting President Bashar al-Assad's government. He received the Hero of Russia medal, the nation's highest award, for his contributions to Russia's Syria campaign.

Hong Hanh (According to Reuters)