Russia detains suspect in Dubai after shooting of senior GRU general

Russian authorities have confirmed the arrest and extradition of a man suspected of shooting Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev, a senior officer in Russia’s military intelligence, in Moscow last week. The suspect, a Russian citizen in his 60s named Lyubomir Korba, was apprehended in Dubai and transferred to Russian custody on Sunday, officials said.

The attack on Alekseyev occurred on Friday inside the stairwell of his Moscow apartment building, leaving him critically injured. He was immediately hospitalized and underwent surgery. Russian officials say his condition has stabilized, although he remains under close medical observation.

Alekseyev serves as deputy director of the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency, which oversees covert operations abroad. He has been involved in planning and supervising intelligence activities related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and has been sanctioned by Western governments for his alleged role in past operations, including cyberattacks and chemical attacks abroad.

Russian investigators said that Korba allegedly fled to the UAE following the shooting and was arrested with the help of Emirati authorities. Another suspected accomplice has been detained in Moscow, while a third suspect reportedly escaped to Ukraine.

Moscow has claimed, without presenting evidence, that Ukrainian intelligence may have been behind the attack, suggesting it was aimed at disrupting diplomatic talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian officials have denied any involvement, instead suggesting the shooting may be connected to internal disputes within Russia’s security services.

The attempted assassination highlights vulnerabilities within Russia’s security apparatus, as Alekseyev is one of the country’s highest-ranking military officers. Analysts note that the attack could have implications for both Russia’s domestic intelligence operations and the ongoing peace negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly thanked the UAE leadership for their cooperation in capturing the suspect, emphasizing the close security ties between Moscow and Abu Dhabi.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and Russian authorities have promised further updates as more details emerge.