In brief
The shooting of high-ranking Russian military official Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev has led to the identification of three suspects, including Ukrainian-born Lyubomir Korba, accused of carrying out the attack. Russian intelligence claims the attack is linked to Ukrainian intelligence, while Kyiv denies involvement. The incident heightens concerns regarding the safety of military figures amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Russia says it has identified three suspects involved in the shooting of high-profile military figure Lt Gen Vladimir Alexeyev.
They include the man accused of having carried out the attack, named as Ukrainian-born Russian citizen Lyubomir Korba.
Russia's Investigations Committee (SK) stated that Korba arrived in Moscow in late December on assignment from Ukrainian intelligence services to commit a terrorist attack, a claim that Kyiv has denied.
Alexeyev, 64, was hospitalized after the shooting which took place in a residential area of Moscow on Friday. Reports indicate he has regained consciousness following surgery.
According to Russian authorities, Korba fired three shots at Alexeyev before fleeing. He allegedly traveled to the UAE shortly after the incident but has since been arrested and extradited to Russia.
Russian state media released footage showing Korba being escorted off a plane by security agents.
The investigation revealed that a Makarov pistol with a silencer was discovered at the scene, and forensic tests are currently underway.
Amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, many high-ranking military officials have been targeted. The incident underscores the growing volatility within the region.
Russian media claims that President Putin has expressed gratitude to the UAE for their assistance in apprehending Korba, while Ukraine has dismissed accusations of involvement in the attack as unfounded.
Prior to the shooting, Alexeyev was attending trilateral discussions with Ukraine and the US, raising questions about the motivations behind the attack.
