Alleged assailants in shooting of Russian General Alekseev plead guilty, FSB claims
The FSB claims that two suspects in an assassination attempt on Russian General Alekseev have pleaded guilty while Ukraine denies any involvement.
The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia announced on February 9 that two alleged perpetrators of an assassination attempt on Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseev, a high-ranking official in Russian military intelligence (GRU), have pleaded guilty. The FSB named the suspects, Lyubomyr Korba and Viktor Vasin, claiming they acted on orders from Ukraine. This statement has been reported widely by state-run media RIA Novosti, which underscores the contentious relations between Russia and Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
In its assertions, the FSB alleges that both individuals were recruited by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), with a promise of a $30,000 reward for the assassination of General Alekseev. The involvement of Polish intelligence is also suggested, particularly through Korba's family ties, as the FSB claims that his son, who resides in Poland, was instrumental in his recruitment. The timeline indicates that Korba was recruited in August 2025, underwent training in Kyiv, and subsequently traveled to Moscow, highlighting the alleged coordination across borders for this assassination plot.
The Ukrainian government has categorically denied these accusations, arguing against their involvement in the attack. This narrative from the FSB illustrates the ongoing tensions and allegations between Russia and Ukraine, especially regarding military operations and intelligence activities during the protracted conflict that has seen both nations engage in information warfare alongside conventional military engagements.