Russian General's Shooting Sparks Diplomatic Tensions Amid Accusations
Published 8 February 2026
Highlights
- Russian authorities have identified three suspects in the shooting of Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev, including Lyubomir Korba, who was arrested in Dubai.
- The attack occurred in Moscow, with Alexeyev sustaining critical injuries but later regaining consciousness after surgery.
- Russia accuses Ukrainian intelligence of orchestrating the attack, while Kyiv denies involvement, suggesting internal Russian disputes.
- The UAE assisted in Korba's extradition, with President Putin expressing gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
- Two accomplices have been identified: Viktor Vasin, arrested in Moscow, and Zinaida Serebritskaya, who reportedly fled to Ukraine.
-
Rewritten Article
Headline: Russian General's Shooting Sparks Diplomatic Tensions Amid Accusations
In a dramatic turn of events, Russian authorities have named three suspects in the shooting of Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev, a high-ranking military intelligence officer. The attack, which took place in a residential area of Moscow, has intensified diplomatic tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with accusations of espionage and terrorism at the forefront.
Suspects and Arrests
The Russian Investigations Committee has identified Lyubomir Korba, a Ukrainian-born Russian citizen, as the primary suspect. Korba was apprehended in Dubai and extradited to Russia, thanks to the cooperation of UAE authorities. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally thanked UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his assistance in the matter.
Details of the Attack
The shooting occurred on a stairwell in Alexeyev's apartment complex, where he was shot three times with a Makarov pistol equipped with a silencer. Despite the severity of his injuries, Alexeyev has regained consciousness following surgery. The attack is seen as part of a series of high-profile incidents targeting Russian military figures since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Allegations and Denials
Moscow has accused Ukrainian intelligence of orchestrating the attack to disrupt ongoing peace negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has denied any involvement, suggesting that the incident is a result of internal Russian conflicts. The Kremlin's claims have yet to be substantiated with concrete evidence.
Accomplices and Investigations
Alongside Korba, two other individuals have been implicated. Viktor Vasin has been arrested in Moscow, while Zinaida Serebritskaya is believed to have fled to Ukraine. Investigations are ongoing, with forensic tests being conducted on the weapon used in the attack.
-
Scenario Analysis
The shooting of Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev could have significant implications for Russia-Ukraine relations, potentially escalating tensions further. If evidence emerges linking Ukrainian intelligence to the attack, it could derail peace talks and lead to increased military actions. Conversely, if the incident is proven to be an internal Russian affair, it might expose vulnerabilities within Russia's security apparatus. Experts suggest that the situation warrants careful diplomatic handling to prevent further deterioration of regional stability.
In a dramatic turn of events, Russian authorities have named three suspects in the shooting of Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev, a high-ranking military intelligence officer. The attack, which took place in a residential area of Moscow, has intensified diplomatic tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with accusations of espionage and terrorism at the forefront.
Suspects and Arrests
The Russian Investigations Committee has identified Lyubomir Korba, a Ukrainian-born Russian citizen, as the primary suspect. Korba was apprehended in Dubai and extradited to Russia, thanks to the cooperation of UAE authorities. Russian President Vladimir Putin personally thanked UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his assistance in the matter.
Details of the Attack
The shooting occurred on a stairwell in Alexeyev's apartment complex, where he was shot three times with a Makarov pistol equipped with a silencer. Despite the severity of his injuries, Alexeyev has regained consciousness following surgery. The attack is seen as part of a series of high-profile incidents targeting Russian military figures since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022.
Allegations and Denials
Moscow has accused Ukrainian intelligence of orchestrating the attack to disrupt ongoing peace negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine, and the US. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has denied any involvement, suggesting that the incident is a result of internal Russian conflicts. The Kremlin's claims have yet to be substantiated with concrete evidence.
Accomplices and Investigations
Alongside Korba, two other individuals have been implicated. Viktor Vasin has been arrested in Moscow, while Zinaida Serebritskaya is believed to have fled to Ukraine. Investigations are ongoing, with forensic tests being conducted on the weapon used in the attack.
What this might mean
The shooting of Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev could have significant implications for Russia-Ukraine relations, potentially escalating tensions further. If evidence emerges linking Ukrainian intelligence to the attack, it could derail peace talks and lead to increased military actions. Conversely, if the incident is proven to be an internal Russian affair, it might expose vulnerabilities within Russia's security apparatus. Experts suggest that the situation warrants careful diplomatic handling to prevent further deterioration of regional stability.
