Full Breakdown
Assassination Attempt on Russian General Vladimir Alexeyev: Key Developments
2/10/2026, 7:39:32 PM
Overview of the Incident
On February 6, 2026, Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, the deputy head of Russia's Main Directorate of the General Staff (GRU), was shot multiple times in a residential building in northwest Moscow. The attack has been characterized by Russian authorities as an assassination attempt, with the Federal Security Service (FSB) alleging that it was orchestrated by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU). Alexeyev underwent surgery and has since regained consciousness, although he remains in critical condition.
Key Suspects and Arrests
The primary suspect, Lyubomir Korba, a Ukrainian-born Russian citizen, was arrested in Dubai shortly after the shooting and extradited to Russia. The FSB claims Korba was acting on orders from the SBU and had been recruited in August 2025, receiving training in Kyiv. He allegedly confessed to the crime, stating he was promised $30,000 for the assassination. Two accomplices have also been identified: Viktor Vasin, who was arrested in Moscow, and Zinaida Serebritskaya, who reportedly fled to Ukraine.
Official Statements and Responses
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned the attack as an act of terrorism, asserting it was aimed at disrupting ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. In contrast, Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, have denied any involvement, suggesting that the incident may stem from internal Russian conflicts. The Kremlin has not provided evidence to substantiate its claims against Ukraine.
Background on Vladimir Alexeyev
Vladimir Alexeyev, 64, has been a prominent figure in Russian military intelligence since 2011. He has been sanctioned by the European Union and the United Kingdom for his alleged involvement in the 2018 Salisbury nerve agent attack and has been linked to various military operations, including Russia's interventions in Syria and Ukraine. His recent role in negotiations with the Wagner Group during a mutiny in June 2023 further underscores his significance within the Russian military hierarchy.
Context of the Attack
The assassination attempt on Alexeyev is part of a broader pattern of violence targeting high-ranking Russian military officials since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. This incident follows several other attacks on senior military figures, raising questions about the security of Russian leadership amid ongoing hostilities. The timing of the attack, occurring just after peace talks in Abu Dhabi, has led to speculation regarding its implications for diplomatic efforts.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the FSB claims that Korba and Vasin have confessed to the assassination attempt, it remains unclear whether these confessions were made under duress. Additionally, the involvement of Polish intelligence in Korba's recruitment has been suggested but not confirmed by Polish authorities. The lack of independent verification of the FSB's allegations against Ukraine adds to the uncertainty surrounding the incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He said "this terrorist act" was aimed at "disrupting the negotiation process".” — Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister
- “We don't know what happened with that particular general - maybe it was their own internal Russian in-fighting,” — Andriy Sybiha, Ukrainian Foreign Minister
- “cautiously stated that the threat to [Alexeyev's] life has passed” — Medical sources, Russian state media
The attempted assassination of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev highlights the ongoing tensions and violence surrounding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with significant implications for both military strategy and diplomatic negotiations.
