Russian security forces have extradited a Ukrainian-born suspect from Dubai in connection with the shooting of Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, a senior GRU military intelligence officer. The attack occurred Friday in a Moscow apartment building when Alexeyev was shot three times with a silenced Makarov pistol. Alexeyev, 64, underwent surgery and has since regained consciousness, according to his wife.

The Federal Security Service identified the suspect as Lyubomir Korba, born in Ukraine's Ternopil region in 1960. Russian investigators claim Korba was tasked by Ukrainian intelligence to carry out the assassination. The FSB also detained an accomplice in Moscow while another fled to Ukraine. President Putin personally thanked UAE leader Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for assistance in the suspect's capture.

This incident highlights the escalating shadow war between Russia and Ukraine beyond the battlefield. Since December 2024, three other officials of similar rank have been killed in or near Moscow. The GRU, Russia's military intelligence agency, has been involved in hybrid warfare including cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, and strategic strikes. The attack on Alexeyev, occurring just 12 kilometers from the Kremlin, has raised questions about security protocols for top Russian generals.

Jailed nationalist Igor Girkin, a former FSB officer, described the attack as a "serious blow" to Russian special services, praising Alexeyev's energy and courage. Alexeyev gained national attention in 2023 when he attempted to mediate during Yevgeny Prigozhin's failed mutiny against Russia's military leadership. Quick Fact: Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev was deputy head of Russia's GRU military intelligence service.