Suspect Apprehended in Dubai Following Attack on Russian Military Intelligence Official

A Russian citizen has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates in connection with the recent shooting of Vladimir Alekseyev, a high-ranking official in Russia's military intelligence agency, the GRU. The arrest follows coordinated efforts between Russian and Emirati authorities after the incident took place in Moscow.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) identified the detained individual as Lyubomir Korba, a Russian national in his sixties. Authorities reported that Korba was taken into custody by Dubai police and subsequently extradited to Russia to face charges related to the attempted assassination.

In addition to the arrest in Dubai, Russian law enforcement detained another individual within Moscow. According to FSB statements, a female suspect allegedly involved in the attack has left Russian territory and is believed to have fled to Ukraine. Investigative sources indicate that the two detained suspects are scheduled for interrogation and will likely face formal charges soon.

The attack occurred on Friday in a residential building in Moscow, where Vladimir Alekseyev, who serves as the deputy chief of the GRU, was shot multiple times. Alekseyev, aged 64 and recognized with the Hero of Russia award, sustained serious injuries and required medical intervention. Authorities have opened a criminal case on suspicion of attempted murder.

Vladimir Alekseyev has played a prominent role in Russian military operations, including involvement in conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. He has also participated in significant internal negotiations, such as those with the Wagner paramilitary group during the events of 2023. Moreover, Alekseyev has been subject to international sanctions by the United States and the European Union, relating to alleged election interference and high-profile incidents abroad.

The Kremlin has attributed responsibility for the attack to Ukrainian actors, suggesting it was intended to undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. Russian officials have linked the timing of the shooting to recent peace negotiations held in Abu Dhabi, which aimed to address the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The GRU's chief, Admiral Igor Kostyukov, led the Russian delegation at these talks.

Ukrainian authorities have denied involvement in the assassination attempt. Since the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, there have been several incidents targeting senior Russian military officials, including three deaths of similarly ranked officers near Moscow in the past year. One notable case involved the director of army training, who was killed by a car bomb in December.

The FSB continues to pursue leads regarding the female suspect who has reportedly crossed into Ukraine. Meanwhile, security measures have been heightened, and an intensive investigation is ongoing to determine the full scope of the plot and any additional participants.

The incident has added further tension to the already strained relations between Russia and Ukraine, as both sides continue to exchange accusations regarding acts of sabotage and targeted violence beyond the battlefield. The outcome of the investigations and the legal proceedings against the apprehended suspects remain closely monitored by both domestic and international observers.