Suspect in Shooting of Top Russian Intelligence General Detained in Dubai

2026-02-08 global

Dubai, Sunday, 8 February 2026.
Moscow secured the extradition of a suspect from Dubai linked to the shooting of top intelligence general Vladimir Alexeyev, underscoring critical security cooperation between Russia and the UAE.

Rapid Detention and Extradition

On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced the detention of a Russian citizen, Lyubomir Korba, in Dubai [1][6]. The suspect, who is in his 60s, is accused of carrying out the shooting of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev in Moscow just two days prior, on Friday, February 6 [2][6]. Following his capture, Korba was promptly extradited to Russia, a move that highlights the operational speed of the security collaboration between Moscow and the United Arab Emirates [3][5]. While the primary suspect fled to the UAE, the FSB reported that a second man, an alleged accomplice, was arrested in Moscow, while a third suspect—identified as a female accomplice—is believed to have escaped to Ukraine [2][6].

Strategic Timing Amidst Peace Negotiations

The attack occurred on Friday, leaving Alexeyev hospitalized in serious condition and requiring surgery after being shot multiple times at an apartment building in northwestern Moscow [5][6]. The timing of the assassination attempt is particularly sensitive, occurring in the immediate wake of high-level diplomatic engagements. Negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States had concluded two days of talks in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, February 4, aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine [7]. Alexeyev’s superior, Admiral Igor Kostyukov, head of the GRU, had been leading the Russian delegation regarding security aspects of a potential deal [1].

Geopolitical Fallout

In the aftermath of the shooting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov characterized the incident as a “terrorist act” designed to sabotage these peace efforts, explicitly accusing Ukraine of masterminding the attack [1][5]. Kyiv has firmly denied any involvement in the shooting [1][6]. This diplomatic friction threatens to complicate the already fragile negotiation process established in the UAE, as the attack targeted the deputy of the very official leading the Russian security delegation [4][1].

A High-Profile Target and a Pattern of Attacks

Lieutenant General Alexeyev, 64, is a central figure in Russia’s military intelligence apparatus, having served as the first deputy head of the GRU since 2011 [3][7]. His career includes significant operational roles; he was awarded the Hero of Russia medal for his involvement in the military campaign in Syria and was sanctioned by Western powers for alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the 2018 poisoning of Sergei Skripal [2][6]. Notably, he was also visible during the Wagner Group’s 2023 mutiny, negotiating directly with mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in Rostov-on-Don [3].

Escalating Security Breaches

This incident is not an isolated event but rather the latest in a series of targeted attacks against high-ranking Russian military officials. In December 2025, Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Directorate, was killed by a car bomb, following the similar killing of Lieutenant General Yaroslav Moskalik in April 2025 [5][7]. Another high-profile loss occurred in December 2024 with the death of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, chief of the military’s nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces [5]. While Ukraine has claimed responsibility for some previous assassinations, they have remained silent regarding this specific case [2][5].

Sources

Geopolitics Russia